Afridi Eyes Unity Amidst Cricket's Crossroads: Champions Trophy 2025 Hope

Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi voiced hope that all teams will participate in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. Amidst India's refusal due to security concerns, Afridi encourages unity beyond national divides. PCB seeks clarity from ICC as India requests a hybrid model for matches.

Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi has expressed optimism that all eight participating teams will come to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. Speaking on the social media platform X, Afridi highlighted the pivotal moment cricket is experiencing, describing it as facing one of its most significant challenges.

He urged the cricketing community to set aside differences, drawing parallels with the Olympic spirit, and emphasized the importance of unity for the growth and spirit of the game. Afridi's comments come amid tensions over India's recent decision not to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to seek reasons from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

India cited security concerns in its refusal, receiving written confirmation from the ICC that it won't participate in the event in Pakistan. In response, the PCB consulted with the government and plans to present its position. Highlighting the importance of the India-Pakistan matches for ICC's revenue, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has proposed a hybrid model for the fixtures.

(With inputs from agencies.)