Shoaib Malik Invites India to Visit Pakistan for Champions Trophy, Calling for Unity
Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has invited Team India to visit Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, which is scheduled for 2024.
Due to tense political relations since 2008, India and Pakistan only play against each other in multi-nation and ICC events.
In an interview, Malik said, “Political issues should be handled separately; they shouldn’t affect sports. The Pakistan team visited India last year, so it would be great if the Indian team could come to Pakistan. Many Indian players haven’t been to Pakistan, and we are very hospitable people.”
The Indian team hasn’t played in Pakistan since 2008 due to security concerns and is unlikely to visit for the Champions Trophy. Last year, India refused to travel for the Asia Cup, opting for a hybrid model instead.
Reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering a hybrid model where the Indian team might play their matches in Sri Lanka or the UAE.
Recently, former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has strongly supported the idea of the Indian team avoiding a visit to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
