'We'll play without India': Pakistan pacer makes bold statement about Champions Trophy 2025

In a bold statement regarding the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali has made it clear that Pakistan is prepared to host the tournament with or without India’s participation. Speaking to Samaa TV, Hasan addressed the ongoing tensions between the cricket boards of the two nations and emphasized the importance of separating sports from politics.

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Hasan Ali makes bold statement on India not willing to travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy

Hasan Ali highlighted the desire of many Indian players to play in Pakistan, despite the political and bureaucratic challenges that prevent them from doing so. 

"If we're going there (to India) to play, then they should come to Pakistan too. A lot of people have said countless times that sports should stay away from politics. But if you look at it from another angle, many Indian players have said in interviews that they want to play in Pakistan. So, it doesn't mean that the team doesn't want to come; they definitely do. But obviously, they have their own policies, country, and board to consider," Hasan explained.

The cricketer reiterated the stance of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. According to Hasan, the PCB chairman has firmly stated that the tournament will be held in Pakistan as scheduled. 

"As our (PCB) chairman has already said, if the Champions Trophy is going to be held in Pakistan, then it will be in Pakistan. If India doesn't want to come, we'll play without them," Hasan Ali declared.

He further stressed that the absence of India would not hinder the tournament's success. "Cricket should be played in Pakistan, and if India doesn't want to participate, it doesn't mean cricket has ended. There are many other teams besides India," he added.

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The Champions Trophy 2025 is slated to be a significant event for Pakistan, marking one of the first major ICC tournaments to be held in the country in over two decades. However, there are reports suggesting that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may not send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy due to government pressure. 

It has also been reported that the BCCI may urge the ICC to adopt a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy, with India's matches being played at neutral venues instead of in Pakistan. However, a final decision on this matter is yet to be made. Pakistan, on the other hand, is steadfast in its insistence that India should come to their country for the tournament.