The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to be held in Pakistan next year. A total of 8 teams will participate in this cricket tournament, and the ICC has already approved the schedule. However, India’s participation in Pakistan remains uncertain. Recently, Jay Shah was appointed as the new ICC Chairman, with his term starting on December 1. Following this, former Pakistan cricketer Younis Khan made a special appeal to Shah.
Younis Khan’s Appeal for Sportsmanship
Younis Khan believes that Jay Shah should show sportsmanship after becoming the ICC Chairman. He said, “With Jay Shah as the new ICC Chairman, cricket should move towards a better future. Shah should demonstrate good sportsmanship. As a Chairman, a positive step would be for India to come to Pakistan to play in the Champions Trophy, and for Pakistan to visit India for matches.”
Historical Context of India-Pakistan Cricket
It’s important to note that India and Pakistan have faced each other several times over the past two decades, but the Indian team has not traveled to Pakistan for cricket since the 2008 Asia Cup. Younis Khan emphasized that now that Jay Shah is no longer just the BCCI Secretary but the ICC Chairman, he should work towards improving relations between the two countries through cricket.
Proposed Schedule for India’s Matches
The ICC recently approved the proposed schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025, which was submitted by the Pakistan Cricket Board. According to this schedule, all of India’s matches will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. India is placed in Group A along with Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Pakistan. If India reaches the semifinals, that match will also be held in Lahore.