NEW DELHI: Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed strong support for the Indian cricket team, which has avoided visiting Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to begin in February.
Highlighting the ongoing security challenges in Pakistan, Singh indicated that security concerns are prevalent due to frequent security incidents.
The Indian team has not played in Pakistan since 2008 due to ongoing security concerns and is unlikely to make the trip for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering a hybrid model that would see Rohit Sharma and his team play their matches in either Sri Lanka or the United Arab Emirates.
In an interview with IANS, Harbhajan Singh questioned the rationale behind sending the Indian team to Pakistan given the current security concerns.
“Why should the Indian team go to Pakistan? There are security concerns in Pakistan. The situation is such that incidents are happening almost daily. It is not safe for the team to go there. BCCI’s stand is absolutely right – nothing is more important than the safety of our players I fully support BCCI’s decision,” Singh said.
Pakistan is gearing up to host its first major tournament since the 2008 Asia Cup and is putting in a lot of effort to make the event a success. However, India’s reluctance to travel for the 2025 Champions Trophy poses a significant challenge for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
