CT 2025: Former Pakistan spinner admits ‘safety’ concerns for India, advises PCB to opt for hybrid model

sanjeev

khelja|31-08-2024

Uncertainty remains around the 2025 Champions Trophy's venue. Pakistan, the defending champions, are scheduled to host the mega event early next year.
However, the bigger question is whether the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will send Team India to Pakistan. Given the prevailing political tensions and security considerations, BCCI remains reluctant. India have not travelled to Pakistan since 2008 and the two teams have not met each other in any bilateral series since early 2013, due to the political tension between the Asian nations. While a final call is yet to be taken, former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria admitted that India should not go to Pakistan and advised Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to go for a hybrid model, with India to play their games in Dubai. Kaneria urged PCB to consider the broader implications and consult with the ICC before going ahead with any decision. In this regard, Kaneria said while speaking to Sports Tak, "Looking at the situation in Pakistan, I have to say that the Indian team should not go to Pakistan and Pakistan should think about it and then the ICC will make its decision and most likely, it will be a hybrid model, it will played in Dubai."   "The safety of the players is the first priority. Respect is the second priority. There are many things. I think BCCI is doing a great job. I think all the countries will accept the final decision. I think it will be a hybrid model," Kaneria further added. Meanwhile, PCB's preparations are in full swing with them confident of India coming to Pakistan. Last year, Babar Azam-led Men in Green travelled to India for the ODI World Cup. As per the PCB draft schedule, India's CT 2025 games are scheduled to be held in Lahore, a location close to the border in order to ease logistical issues. India are placed in Group A with hosts Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand whereas Group B comprises South Africa, Australia, England and Afghanistan. Notably, none of the current Indian players have played in Pakistan.
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