New Delhi: Pakistan is hosting an ICC tournament after several years, with the Champions Trophy 2025 having started on February 19. However, despite being the host nation, the first semi-final of the tournament will be played in Dubai. Furthermore, the final match, scheduled for March 9, will also take place in Dubai, but only if India qualifies for the final by winning its semi-final match.
India’s Dominance in the Tournament
Team India has played all its matches in the Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Stadium, which is why one of the semi-final matches has also been scheduled there. If India makes it to the final, the venue for the championship match will remain in Dubai. Meanwhile, Pakistan has already been eliminated from the tournament, which has once again fueled debates about BCCI’s influence in world cricket.
Inzamam-ul-Haq Calls for IPL Boycott
Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has expressed his frustration over India’s dominance and has called on cricket boards worldwide to stop sending their players to the IPL.
During a television interview, Inzamam said,”Forget about the Champions Trophy for a moment and just look at the IPL. All the world’s top players come to play in the IPL. However, Indian players do not participate in any foreign leagues. Other cricket boards should take a stand and stop sending their players to the IPL.”
The Influence of IPL on Global Cricket
The IPL is the most prestigious T20 league in the world, attracting top international cricketers every year. Some foreign players have even prioritized IPL over their national team commitments. Unlike other leagues, the BCCI does not allow Indian players to participate in foreign T20 leagues while they are active. Only retired Indian cricketers, who are no longer part of the IPL, are allowed to play in overseas leagues.
Pakistan Players in IPL
Pakistani cricketers are banned from participating in the IPL. However, in the inaugural edition of IPL (2008), several Pakistani players were part of the league. Following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, IPL authorities imposed a complete ban on Pakistani players, which remains in effect to this day.
