Former Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Anurag Thakur raised concerns about the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place in Pakistan. Anurag Thakur backed the BCCI’s decision to refuse traveling to Pakistan, calling the country “not very sports-friendly” and “not very safe and secure.”
The Champions Trophy is scheduled for February or March next year. Pakistan dropped its boycott threat and reportedly agreed to the hybrid model at the last ICC meeting. The PCB has requested a reciprocal arrangement until 2031, where both teams will play at neutral venues in upcoming ICC events.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Conditions in Pakistan Are Not Very Sports-Friendly – Anurag Thakur
Anurag Thakur emphasized India’s stance on prioritizing the safety and security of players. He stated that India will not play in Pakistan until the neighboring country controls issues related to terrorism and cross-border activities.
“India has made it very clear that the safety and security of the players are very important and we have been very consistent with our stand as far as playing in Pakistan is concerned,” Thakur said.
“Till the time they do not have control or check over the terrorist activities and cross-border activities, India is not willing to play there. The conditions in Pakistan are not very sports-friendly, not very safe and secure. The decision made by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) is right,” he added.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India Is in a Position to Host the Best Of the Tournaments – Anurag Thakur
Anurag Thakur also stated that India has consistently proven its ability to organize prestigious events by successfully hosting the 50-over Cricket World Cup last year. He added that India remains a favorite destination for teams worldwide and is also home to the Indian Premier League (IPL).
“As far as international cricket is concerned, India’s contribution at the international level is huge… India is in a position to host the best of the tournaments,” Thakur stated.
“We have done that in the past and we can do that in the future as well. Countries across the globe love to come and play in India and the world’s most popular cricket league is played in India, the Indian Premier League (IPL),” he concluded.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Likely to Be Played Using a Hybrid Model
The Champions Trophy 2025 is likely to be played using a hybrid model, with India’s matches being held in Dubai. However, this is not finalized and will be discussed further in an upcoming ICC meeting in Dubai. Pakistan has demanded a similar arrangement for future ICC events in India until at least 2027.
The PCB also seeks compensation for potential revenue losses due to India’s matches being held at neutral venues. Key decisions on the semi-finals and the final, especially if India advances, are still pending. The marquee tournament will be played in February-March next year, according to the ICC FTP.
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