The ongoing saga surrounding the Champions Trophy has once again ignited tensions between India and Pakistan, two cricketing giants with a long and complex history. Pakistan cricketer Ahmad Shahzad has openly criticized India’s stance on the tournament, accusing them of making “false promises” and prioritizing non-cricket concerns.
Shahzad’s frustration stems from India’s reluctance to play in Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. He believes that Pakistan has consistently praised India’s performances on the field, but India has not reciprocated this gesture by supporting Pakistan’s hosting of major events.
“Pakistan now needs to step forward and clarify its stance,” Shahzad said on Pakistani channel Geo News. “We’ve known for a long time that India are making false promises. Whenever they play well, we praise them because they deserve it. But when it comes to this issue (coming to Pakistan), India have been lying for a long time.”
Shahzad’s comments have been met with support from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which is reportedly preparing to challenge the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision. The PCB plans to question the International Cricket Council (ICC) about the rationale behind the BCCI’s stance.
The ICC now faces a difficult task in finding a solution that satisfies both parties. One option is to move the tournament out of Pakistan entirely, potentially to South Africa or the UAE. However, Pakistan has reportedly threatened to withdraw from the Champions Trophy if hosting rights are removed.
The dispute has escalated to a point where it could have significant implications for the future of India-Pakistan cricket relations. The ICC must tread carefully to avoid further damage to one of the most intense rivalries in the sport.
