SYDNEY: Former Australian cricketer and ICC ambassador Shane watson said that it is “unfortunate” that the Indian cricket team is not travelling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy which is scheduled in the upcoming month.
In December 2024, Jay Shah, Chairman of International Cricket Council (ICC) ended the issue of Champions Trophy 2025 hosting rights, stating that the CT will be played in Pakistan alongside another neutral venue where both Team India and Pakistan would play.
“No cricket fan wants to miss the clash between India and Pakistan, as it is a huge rivalry between the two sides, and always something special happens in their game,” Watson said.
“That’s a nice little hospital pass you give me there. It’s unfortunate that things have worked out that way. There’s no doubt that everyone loves seeing, and watching IND-PAK games. Whenever they come together, whether it’s an ICC event, it is a special time because we have got a sense of what’s on the line. To know how big a rivalry it is between India and Pakistan is always something special. No cricket fan wants to miss the game. It is unfortunate that India is not travelling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy,” Watson said in the press conference.
Due to the unstable political relations between India and Pakistan, India never went to Pakistan for any match since 2008. After that, both teams have only faced each other in official ICC tournaments only.
The much awaited match between India and Pakistan in the Champions Trophy will be played on Sunday, February 23.
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