Due to security concerns, Team India opted not to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, leading to a hybrid model where matches will occur in Dubai. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) cited security issues, despite other teams playing in Pakistan. Sunil Gavaskar emphasized recent security breaches during matches, reinforcing India’s stance against participating in the tournament within Pakistan. He stated that until peace exists at the Indo-Pak border, resuming bilateral cricket is unlikely, suggesting that communication between the governments is contingent upon stabilized relations.
File photo of Sunil Gavaskar© X (Twitter)
Team India’s decision to forgo travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 resulted in the tournament adopting a hybrid format, with Rohit Sharma and his team competing in Dubai. The primary concern cited by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was related to the security of the players. Despite other international teams playing their Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan, doubts were raised regarding the legitimacy of India’s concerns. However, Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar addressed the issue, pointing out ‘security lapse’ incidents that occurred in Pakistan during the Champions Trophy. (India vs New Zealand)
During the Afghanistan vs England Champions Trophy Group B match, a fan succeeded in breaching security to meet Afghan players. Previously, New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra also experienced a similar incident during the match against Bangladesh.
“Even in this tournament, we note that individuals were able to breach security and enter the field while the match was ongoing. I believe it happened during the Afghanistan game. When such incidents occur, it becomes nearly impossible for any government to grant the Indian team permission to travel to Pakistan,” Gavaskar stated on Sports Today.
Previously, during a chat show in Pakistan, Gavaskar was asked about his views on the potential resumption of bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan. He dismissed the possibility of such a series until there is peace at the Indo-Pak border.
“It’s quite straightforward. If there is peace at the borders, I believe both governments will certainly say, ‘Look, we’ve had no incidents, nothing at all. So let’s at least start talking’,” Gavaskar explained.
“I am quite sure there are likely some back-channel communications occurring. However, you need to observe what is happening both on the ground and off it because there are incursions we hear about. That is the reason why the Indian government is saying, ‘Until all that ceases, we should not even consider having or discussing anything’,” he added.
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