Pakistan’s white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan, has extended a warm invitation to the Indian cricket team to participate in the upcoming Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan in 2025. Rizwan’s remarks come amidst ongoing uncertainties surrounding the tournament, with reports suggesting that India may refuse to tour Pakistan due to security concerns.
“KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav are welcome. Everyone who comes will be welcomed. And this isn’t our decision; it’s the PCB’s decision. I hope that when they come, they will be welcomed,” Rizwan stated ahead of Pakistan’s T20I series against Australia.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly preparing a formal query for the International Cricket Council (ICC), seeking clarification on the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) stance. The ICC has yet to make a decision, but alternate options, including neutral venues in South Africa and the UAE, are reportedly being considered if India declines to play in Pakistan.
The lack of bilateral series between India and Pakistan since 2012 has intensified the stakes around ICC events, which have been the only stage where the two teams meet. Last year’s Asia Cup, which was supposed to be hosted solely by Pakistan, was split into a hybrid model, with India’s matches held in Sri Lanka.
This arrangement allowed India to avoid travelling to Pakistan, while Pakistan maintained partial hosting rights. The Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, would mark the return of the tournament to the ICC calendar after seven years and remains a potentially historic occasion for cricket in Pakistan.
The PCB is determined to host the tournament successfully and has expressed confidence in its ability to provide a safe and secure environment for all participating teams. However, the BCCI’s decision will ultimately determine whether the Champions Trophy can be held in Pakistan as planned.
