India has decided not to participate in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, a move that has left Pakistan cricket fans heartbroken, as they were eager to see the Indian team play on their home soil. During the Indian team’s ongoing tour of South Africa for the T20 series, a Pakistani fan approached T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav to ask why India wasn’t coming to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
The incident took place before the third match on Monday when the Indian players were enjoying some leisure time. While visiting an online gaming zone, a group of cricket fans, including some from Pakistan, approached the players. They took photos and videos with the Indian stars, leading to the question posed to Suryakumar Yadav.
Suryakumar Yadav Responds to Fan’s Question on India’s Absence in Pakistan
During the Indian team’s tour of South Africa, a fan asked India captain Suryakumar Yadav why they were not visiting Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. In the video, the Pakistan fan can be heard asking the flamboyant batsman ‘Aap Pakistan kyun nahi aa rahe ho’ (Why aren’t you guys visiting Pakistan?). Suryakumar responded with a smile, saying, “All this is not in our hands…”
Pakistan Q Nahi Aa Rahy Aap?#SuryaKumarYadav #INDvPAK #PAKvIND #HammadKurar #CT25 #Pakistan #India #icc pic.twitter.com/pIVM6ApwlR
— Hammad Kurar (@HammadKurar) November 11, 2024
India’s Stand on ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Pakistan has secured the rights to host the ICC Champions Trophy in February and March 2025. However, India has made it clear through an email to the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it will not send its team to Pakistan for the event. On Sunday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the email received from the ICC, stating India’s position.
Pakistani fan confront SuryaKumar Yadav and Rinku Singh in South Africa.
Fan – Why is the Indian team not coming to Pakistan?
SuryaKumar Yadav – Yeh hamare haath mein thodi hai 🗿
GREAT REPLY 🐐#SuryakumarYadav #INDvsSA #SAvsINDpic.twitter.com/am2APsdBjJ
— RoMan (@SkyXRohit1) November 12, 2024
Speculation on Hybrid Model for Champions Trophy
Following India’s stance, there are now speculations that the Champions Trophy could be held using a hybrid model, similar to the 2023 Asia Cup. In this scenario, all matches involving India, including the final, may be played in a third country.