Amid growing uncertainty about the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, due to India’s refusal to travel for the event, a prominent Indian politician has voiced support for the Indian team’s participation.
Tejashwi Yadav, leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), argued that politics should not interfere with sports and urged the Indian cricket team to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. Taking a swipe at BJP leader Narendra Modi, Yadav reminded the public that the Indian Prime Minister had crossed the border to enjoy biryani. “If the PM can go there to have biryani, why can’t the Indian cricket team visit for a tournament?” Yadav questioned during a media interaction, as quoted by ANI.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is holding a virtual meeting to discuss the future of the 2025 Champions Trophy, which remains uncertain due to India’s position. Sources indicate that several scenarios are being considered, such as hosting the tournament in Pakistan without India. However, this option seems unlikely due to India’s substantial commercial value in global cricket.
One potential solution is a hybrid model, where Pakistan would host most of the matches, while those involving India would be played at a neutral venue, possibly in the UAE. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already rejected this hybrid option, though an ICC source suggested that it might still be on the table. If proposed, the PCB is expected to insist that no matches involving Pakistan, including against India, be held outside Pakistan.
In response to India’s refusal to travel, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reiterated Pakistan’s stance against financial compensation for hosting rights and reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for Pakistan cricket’s best interests.
