Even though PCB are making early preparations for the Champions Trophy they will hold next year, it’s still unclear whether or not India will participate. Since 2008 when the Indian cricket team last visited Pakistan due to increased diplomatic tensions with its neighbor, they have been separated by a decade-long break in bilateral cricket ties and can only meet at continental or ICC tournaments.
The Asia Cup held last year – which had been meant for Pakistan – instead took place in a hybrid model as BCCI claimed that Indian government refused to allow their team to go across the border to play there. Former Pakistani leg-spinner Danish Kaneria has advised that BCCI should refrain from sending their team because of insecurity prevalent throughout the entire country now.
Speaking back to Sports Tak Kaneria explained that under the given circumstance the Indian team should not go to Pakistan. Moreover he added that Pakistan should take time to think about it. According to him ICC will make the final decision as it is likely that this Champions Trophy may be played in a hybrid model in Dubai. He mentioned that these speculations will go on for a while and it will be hyped by the media. Nevertheless, it is true and definitely there will be a hybrid model. On this note, BCCI will do whatever they have been told.
Kaneria played 61 Tests and 18 ODIs between 2000-2010 and believes safety of players is vital hence other participating countries in the Champions Trophy are likely to follow suit with respect to BCCI’s decision on traveling to Pakistan for this tournament.
“The safety of players comes first. Then we have respect. I think BCCI is doing great work here. Whatever they decide other nations should abide by it too. It’s going to be a hybrid model” said Kaneria.
Kaneria has a different opinion and believes Pakistan’s sports complex is capable of holding the Champions Trophy but states that its facilities should undergo improvement. He further emphasizes on how the holding of this competition excites PCB mainly due to availability of stars in Indian cricket team.
“Kaneria commenting about PCB said they have it all but have to ensure their infrastructures are okay” he explained; adding” security should be the top most priority since it poses major problems.” Security measures are something very difficult to come by in Pakistan where Kaneria still insists need more elaboration.
This is attributable to TV rights, sponsorships, revenue hence stadiums full with people according to him. They earn for know funds from India due to which it would attract some sponsors while attracting more media coverage among other things that might come along. But there are still grey areas not addressed in terms of security matters even though it was claimed that they visited India before during the 2023 ODI world cup event but things were much better there
