In a significant appeal to bridge the cricketing divide between India and Pakistan, former Pakistani cricketer Moin Khan has called upon Indian cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Kapil Dev, and Rahul Dravid to persuade the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send the Indian team to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan.
The ICC Champions Trophy, one of the most prestigious tournaments in international cricket, is set to return in 2025 after a hiatus. Pakistan has been chosen as the host nation, marking a significant moment for the country, which has faced challenges in hosting international cricket due to security concerns. The last time India toured Pakistan was in 2008, and since then, political tensions have prevented any bilateral series between the two cricketing giants.
Moin Khan’s Appeal
Moin Khan believes that the participation of the Indian team in the Champions Trophy would not only benefit Pakistan but also the global cricketing community. “Former India cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Kapil Dev, Rahul Dravid, etc., should tell their cricket board to keep politics away from cricket. Cricket should not be obstructed by political issues. The fans would love to see India and Pakistan play. It will not only benefit Pakistan but overall cricket will be benefitted,” Moin stated.
Moin Khan has called on Indian cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly to step in and advise the BCCI to keep politics away from the sport 🏏, emphasizing the need for cricket to remain free from external influences. ✋🌍 #Cricket #CricketPakistan #CricketIndia pic.twitter.com/l4L7XpPVmi
— CricMarvels (@CricMarvels) September 15, 2024
Support from Pakistani Cricket Community
Moin Khan is not alone in his appeal. Several former Pakistani cricketers and officials have echoed similar sentiments, urging the BCCI to reconsider their stance. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already submitted a draft schedule to the ICC, with all of India’s matches planned to be held in Lahore, including the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash on March 1.
Preparations for the Champions Trophy are in full swing in Pakistan. The PCB has allocated significant resources for the renovation of stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. The aim is to provide world-class facilities and ensure the safety and security of all participating teams. The successful hosting of the tournament would be a major milestone for Pakistan cricket, showcasing its ability to host international events.
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