Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has called on the newly appointed International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah to enable India’s visit to Pakistan and vice-versa. Reports have suggested India’s tour to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy might be in doubt as well.

Younis Khan was quoted by Cricket Pakistan as saying: “The cricket should uplift with the appointment of Jay Shah as the ICC chief. Jay Shah needs to show the sportsman spirit, as with the good initiatives of the ICC chief, India can come to Pakistan to play cricket. In the same way, Pakistan can visit India.”

However, India and Pakistan earlier played in a home bilateral series in 2012/23, while their last tour to Pakistan came way back in 2005/06.
The two teams have only met in ICC events or Asia Cup matches since, with Pakistan visiting India during the ODI World Cup last year as well. Younis Khan also opened up on Pakistan’s first Test defeat to Bangladesh a few days ago in Rawalpindi.

“There is always a pressure to play cricket in home conditions. What is the benefit to the players if they cannot absorb the pressure? There is a dire need for the players to boost their morale. Everybody has seen that whether the pitch was fast or slow.We have clinched victories at that time when no international cricket was happening in the country,” said Younis Khan. “I’m not sure why the PCB chairman feels there’s no talent in domestic cricket. We have immense talent in our domestic circuit.”

However, Basit Ali recently opened up on the comments made by Pakistan’s red-ball coach Jason Gillespie at the pre-match press conference ahead of the side’s second Test of the ongoing home series against Bangladesh as well.

“Jason Gillespie was an Australian cricketer, but now he has become a Pakistani coach. He has taken classes from Jeff Lawson and Shaun Tait. From today’s press conference, I can now say that Jason Gillespie has become a Pakistani coach. It was very clear from the statements he made at the press conference.”