Pakistan’s newly appointed white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan, has extended an open invitation to the Indian cricket team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, expressing a strong desire for a historic tournament. This prestigious event, scheduled for February 19 to March 9, 2025, will mark Pakistan’s first time hosting an ICC competition since 1996.
Set to take place in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is hopeful that all participating nations, including India, will attend, despite the longstanding political tension that has kept India’s team away from Pakistan since 2008.
Addressing the media, Rizwan spoke warmly about the hospitality the Pakistani squad received during the 2023 World Cup in India, where crowds of Indian fans welcomed the Pakistani team, marking a rare moment of camaraderie. Reflecting on this, Rizwan extended similar sentiments toward hosting the Indian team, should they participate in the Champions Trophy.
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“Pakistani fans love Indian players, just as we were welcomed in India,” Mohammad Rizwan said. “While I’m unsure if India will come, one thing is certain – if they do, they’ll receive an amazing welcome here,” he stated.
“Pakistan fans love Indian players; we received love in India during the 2023 World Cup. I’m unsure if they’re coming for the Champions Trophy, but one thing is certain – if they come, they’ll receive an awesome welcome here.” pic.twitter.com/oFfaP4jbzw
— ٰImran Siddique (@imransiddique89) October 29, 2024
The PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has echoed this welcoming tone, emphasizing the importance of hosting all nations and the opportunity this presents for Pakistani cricket. The Champions Trophy could signify a new era of sporting diplomacy and may even set a precedent for future India-Pakistan matches in Pakistan.
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Meanwhile, the Pakistani team has left for Australia for a white-ball series, followed by another tour in Zimbabwe, as they continue their rigorous preparations for the Champions Trophy. Team Pakistan’s focus remains on fine-tuning their skills and building momentum, aiming to showcase their talent on home soil in what promises to be an eventful and highly anticipated tournament.
