Pakistan is set to host the returning edition of the ICC Champions trophy after a gap of eight years in February 2025. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have even submitted the draft and schedule as hosts in ICC’s Annual Conference in Colombo in July.
However, the Indian team’s participation is still uncertain with the BCCI unsure of letting the team travel to Pakistan due to strained political relations between the two neighbouring nations over the years.
BET NOW: Exclusive sign-up offers and bonuses when you bet on sporting action
India last played in Pakistan in the 2008 Asia Cup wherein they were defeated by Sri Lanka in the Final of the tournament. The last bilateral series between the two sides was played even further back in 2006.
Former Pakistani players like Younis Khan and Wasim Akram have urged the BCCI to let India participate in the tournament, most of it being respectful.
However, Tanvir Ahmed who represented Pakistan in five Tests and two ODIs has opted out for a discourteous way, daring the Indian team to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy in February. A similar tactic used by Shahid Afridi to call out the BCCI.
READ MORE: Who will be Pakistan's next Director of Cricket?
Former cricketer dares India to visit Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025
As reported by NDTV Sports, Ahmed has challenged the Indian team to visit Pakistan, stating that their team were the more courageous of the two sides since they visited India during the ODI World Cup 2023.
We are lions. We have come to your den and played you. If you have the courage, come here and play. We will give you security, we'll give you everything. Come for once! Only Pakistan players can come and play. They went to India and played. That's what you call bravery.
Pakistan has always been accused of lack of security for the travelling teams. Back in 2009, Sri Lanka’s team bus was attacked by terrorists in Pakistan. Although there was no loss of life, several Sri Lankan players were injured in the ensuing chaos.
Since the incident, none of the boards allowed their team to tour the nation for six years. In 2015, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh women’s teams toured Pakistan for the first time.
MORE: PCB submit draft schedule of Champions Trophy 2025
Soon Sri Lanka followed in 2017 for a lone game and the West Indies team in 2018 for a T20I series. However, senior players like Chirs Gayle, Carlos Braithwaite and Jason Holder opted to not board the flight.
The most recent team to visit Pakistan was New Zealand. The Black Caps toured Sri Lanka for a five-match T20I series ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 which wa shield in US and the West Indies.
READ MORE: Sri Lanka squad for ODI series against India - Asalanka takes over captaincy
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >