Debate continues over whether India will travel to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. While former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Rashid Latif recently indicated that there is “fifty percent confirmation” of India’s participation, ex-Pakistani spinner Danish Kaneria has raised serious concerns over the safety of Indian players.
Speaking to ‘Sports Tak,’ Kaneria remarked, “The Indian team should not go to Pakistan. Pakistan needs to reconsider, and then the ICC can decide. Most likely, it will be a hybrid model, with matches played in Dubai.”
India last visited Pakistan for the 2008 Asia Cup, and the two countries haven’t had a bilateral series since Pakistan’s tour of India for five ODIs in 2012-13. Although Pakistan returned to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, political tensions between the two nations have kept the Indian government’s stance on traveling to Pakistan unchanged.
Reports suggest that Pakistan may propose hosting all of India’s matches in Lahore, a city near the Wagah-Attari border, to facilitate easier travel for the Indian team and fans. However, the BCCI is reportedly considering a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy, similar to last year’s Asia Cup, which could help mitigate security and diplomatic concerns.
