Danish Kaneria, former Pakistani cricketer, has added his voice to the ongoing debate surrounding India’s potential participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan. As political tensions continue to simmer between the two nations, Kaneria suggests that India should reconsider traveling to Pakistan for the tournament. This comes after India declined to visit Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup, leading to the event being held in a hybrid model co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Kaneria, who has always been outspoken about cricketing issues, did not hold back in his comments during an interview on Sports Tak. He emphasized the need to evaluate the current situation in Pakistan before making any decisions. “Look at the situation in Pakistan; I have to say that the Indian team should not go to Pakistan, and Pakistan should think about it,” Kaneria remarked, urging both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) to consider the implications of holding such a significant tournament in Pakistan.
The former leg-spinner highlighted that the uncertainty surrounding India’s participation is not merely about the game itself but is also deeply intertwined with the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the two countries. The strained relations have kept India and Pakistan from engaging in bilateral series for several years, limiting their encounters to ICC tournaments and multi-nation events.
Kaneria also pointed out that the ICC might consider adopting a hybrid model similar to the 2023 Asia Cup to ensure the Champions Trophy takes place without any hitches. “The ICC will make their decision, and most likely, the Champions Trophy will be played in a hybrid model in Dubai,” he added, suggesting that the neutral venues could be a way to circumvent the complex political landscape.
Beyond the immediate issue of whether India should travel to Pakistan, Kaneria also called attention to the state of cricketing infrastructure in Pakistan. He believes that before hosting such a prestigious tournament, Pakistan must ensure that its stadiums and facilities meet international standards. “Pakistan should focus on improving the infrastructure of their stadiums. We want to see world-class facilities if we are hosting a world-class tournament,” Kaneria said. His concerns are not without merit, as international teams have raised issues about security and the quality of facilities in Pakistan in the past, leading to hesitancy in scheduling tours there.
Kaneria’s stance is likely to resonate with a section of cricket fans and experts who have long questioned the feasibility of holding major cricketing events in politically volatile regions. However, it also adds another layer to the already complex relationship between the cricket boards of India and Pakistan.
The BCCI has remained firm in its stance, citing security concerns and the ongoing political situation as primary reasons for not touring Pakistan. On the other hand, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been vocal about its disappointment, arguing that such decisions undermine the spirit of the game and the role of sports in bridging divides.
As the Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, the ICC will be under increasing pressure to make a decision that balances the sport’s integrity with the safety and security of the players. The possibility of another hybrid model, as suggested by Kaneria, might serve as a middle ground, but it is clear that any decision will have far-reaching consequences for the future of cricket in the subcontinent.
For now, the cricketing world watches and waits as the ICC deliberates on a matter that extends far beyond the boundary ropes, touching upon issues of national pride, security, and the very future of one of the sport’s most enduring rivalries.
Kaneria’s comments reflect a broader sentiment within the cricketing community, especially among those who have witnessed the tumultuous history of Indo-Pak cricket relations. The rivalry between India and Pakistan is one of the most intense in sports, but it has also been fraught with complications due to the political landscape. This has led to a sporadic schedule of matches between the two countries, primarily confined to ICC events, which has only intensified the anticipation and pressure surrounding these encounters.
Moreover, the issue of security remains a significant concern. While Pakistan has successfully hosted several international matches in recent years, including the Pakistan Super League (PSL), lingering apprehensions persist among teams and officials. The tragic events of the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore are still fresh in the memories of many, making the decision to tour Pakistan a contentious one. Kaneria’s remarks, therefore, tap into these fears, highlighting the need for a careful assessment of the risks involved.
Another dimension to this debate is the potential impact on the players themselves. Cricket, especially in the subcontinent, is more than just a sport—it’s a matter of national pride. Players from both sides have often spoken about the unique pressure of playing in an India-Pakistan match, where the expectations of millions weigh heavily on their shoulders. The prospect of playing in Pakistan, under the current circumstances, could add another layer of pressure, which might affect the players’ performance and mindset.
Kaneria’s call for improved infrastructure also points to the broader issue of cricket’s development in Pakistan. While the PCB has made strides in upgrading facilities, there’s still work to be done to meet the high standards expected of a host nation for a tournament like the Champions Trophy. Ensuring that stadiums are not only secure but also equipped with world-class amenities is crucial for attracting top teams and delivering a successful tournament.
In addition, Kaneria’s suggestion of a hybrid model could be seen as a pragmatic approach to the situation. By hosting matches in neutral venues, the ICC could potentially mitigate security concerns while still allowing Pakistan to have a role in the tournament. However, this solution is not without its drawbacks. Playing in neutral venues often lacks the atmosphere and fervor that home crowds bring, which could diminish the experience for players and fans alike.
As the discussions continue, it’s clear that the decision on whether India should travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy will not be an easy one. It will require careful consideration of multiple factors, including security, diplomacy, and the spirit of the game. The ICC, BCCI, and PCB will need to navigate these complex issues with tact and foresight to ensure that cricket, the sport that unites millions across borders, continues to thrive despite the challenges.
The coming months will likely see more debates and discussions as stakeholders weigh the options. Whatever the outcome, it will set a precedent for future engagements between India and Pakistan, shaping the narrative of cricket in the region for years to come.