Former spinner Harbhajan Singh reiterated his belief that the Indian cricket team is unlikely to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy next year. The tournament’s future remains uncertain as India maintains its stance against sending the team to Pakistan, while the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) resists adopting a hybrid hosting model, insisting on holding the entire event in Pakistan.
Speaking to ANI, Harbhajan supported India’s position, stating, “I don’t think Team India will travel to Pakistan. The situation doesn’t seem suitable for the team to go there and play. While people in Pakistan love cricket and support the Indian team, these decisions are ultimately made by governments based on the circumstances.”
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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also echoed this sentiment, citing security concerns. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal referred to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) statement, saying, “The BCCI has stated there are security concerns in Pakistan, making it unlikely for the team to travel there.”
On the same day, the International Cricket Council (ICC) convened a meeting to discuss the tournament’s future amid growing speculation. Reports suggest a new proposal might shift matches involving India to Dubai. According to sources quoted by Geo News, this plan would see both India and Pakistan play their ICC-designated matches in Dubai when scheduled to play in each other’s countries. This arrangement, if approved, could extend for the next three years, beginning with the Champions Trophy 2025.