In order for the Indian cricket team to play in the next ICC Champions Trophy in February of the following year, Shoaib Malik humbly asked that they tour Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has apparently left it up to the Indian Cricket Committee (ICC) to persuade the Men in Blue to participate in the premier tournament, even though the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hasn’t formally given the go-ahead.
Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik stated that sports shouldn’t be negatively impacted by the political unrest between the two nations.
He stated that India need to travel to their neighbouring country, Pakistan, to participate in the international tournament, as the people there are incredibly kind.
“Any objections that may exist between the nations should be resolved on a separate basis. Sports shouldn’t be influenced by politics. The Indian squad now has an excellent opportunity to visit India, as did the Pakistani team last year. It would be fantastic for the Indian team, as I believe there are a lot of players who haven’t played in Pakistan. Hey, we’re decent folks, we really are. The Indian team should surely visit; we’re a very welcoming people,” Malik told Cricket Pakistan.
The scheduling and format of the Champions Trophy were reportedly not discussed during the recent ICC annual conference, which was held in Sri Lanka. The PCB has scheduled all of India’s matches, including the semi-final and final, at Lahore in accordance with the draft schedule. The India vs. Pakistan match is slated for March 1. Sri Lanka agreed to co-host the Asia Cup with Pakistan last year after the former declined to send its squad to their neighbour. As a result, India’s matches in the continental competition were played in the island nation.
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Time is of the essence for ICC as India’s participation in the Champions Trophy is in jeopardy, with just six months to go before it begins. In the coming weeks, it will be interesting to watch how this situation plays out.
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