Harbhajan Singh: ‘Indian Cricket Can Survive Without Pakistan’

Will India go to Pakistan to compete for the Champions Trophy in 2025?

According to current sources, however, it is doubtful as the BCCI is expected to ask the ICC to move the India matches from Pakistan to Dubai or Sri Lanka for the competition. This is because it is unlikely that the government will allow the squad to travel across the border.

Eight years will pass until the Champions Trophy is awarded again. Pakistan defeated India in 2017 to claim the trophy’s last victory. Next year, the competition is scheduled for February and March.

India hasn’t traveled to Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup since the two nations’ tense relations have also affected their suspended bilateral cricket ties.

The two rivals only compete against one another in international or continental competitions; the most recent encounter took place in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where India triumphed against Pakistan in New York.

An old clip of the renowned Indian bowler Harbhajan Singh is becoming popular on social media amid worries about India’s involvement.

Harbhajan, on a TV show, can be seen arguing that the safety of Indian players is paramount and if they don’t feel safe in Pakistan, then there’s no question of them playing in the country.

“Agar humare players wahan par jaake safe nahi hain toh nahi bhejenge. Aap na khelo humare saath. Aapko khelna hai toh khelo warna mut khelo. Indian cricket can survive without Pakistan and If you guys can survive without Indian cricket then do it. (If our players cannot feel safe in Pakistan then they won’t travel to the country. If you don’t want to play against India, then don’t. Indian cricket can survive without Pakistan and if you guys can do it then go ahead),” the former India offspinner said on SportsTak.

In the meantime, Pakistan and India have apparently been placed in the same group as Bangladesh and New Zealand according to the draft schedule. Every game involving India will take place in Lahore.