'When We Went There..': Rizwan on BCCI's Firm Stance for CT 2025 After Being Appointed PAK Captain

With less than four months remaining before the start of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, all eyes are on BCCI as the board is set to make a call regarding how to go about with the tournament, which is scheduled to take place in Pakistan . Team India hasn't toured Pakistan since 2006, and the incumbent BCCI secretary has maintained the stance that the Team will not travel to Pakistan. BCCI's firm approach has propelled Pakistan to resort to a Hybrid Model in the past during Asia Cup 2023, and the same could transpire again with the Champions Trophy.

Also Read | Punjab Kings Reveal Their First Retention Ahead Of IPL Mega Auctions

Mohammad Rizwan Says Team India Would Receive Rousing Welcome 

The solution to the current impasse is actively being explored particularly from the side of the Pakistan Cricket Board, and a proposition like- Play the match in Pakistan and return to India on the same day- has been put in front of the BCCI. There have been expert opinions regarding what could and should be done to reach a middle ground, but so far the future looks opaque.

Away from all the speculations and assertions about whether Team India will travel to Pakistan or not, newly appointed white-ball captain of Pakistan, Mohammad Rizwan has asserted what would happen if Team India arrives in Pakistan to play the Champions Trophy 2025. Recalling the rousing reception Pakistan team received in India ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023, Rizwan stated that India would fetch the same warm welcome from the cricket lovers in Pakistan upon touchdown.   

“When we went to India, we received a lot of love, and everyone witnessed that. The public will warmly welcome the Indian team in Pakistan as well. Whether the Indian team participates in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan is something the board knows better,” Rizwan told reporters before departure for Australia, as quoted by Cricket Pakistan.

As the ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to start in February 2025, a decision in that regard could be taken soon by BCCI.