The prospect of an Indian team travelling to Pakistan for the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy, however, continues to be uncertain. While former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman proved optimistic ruling the line and below that, ‘There is,” he said, “fifty percent confirmation that India will come to Pakistan” Danish Kaneria, a former spinner of the country, has raised issues of safety amongst Indian cricketers.
“Look at the situation in Pakistan, first. So I have to say that the Indian team must not go to Pakistan,” Kaneria said in ‘sports tak’. “I do not know. It has to be done first by Pakistan, then by ICC and most probably it will be hybrid; held in Dubai.” India’s last tour of visiting Pakistan was for the 2008 Asia Cup while the last bilateral series between these two countries was on the 2012-13 season with five ODIs where Pakistan toured India.
Pakistan then embarked to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, the political relations again between the two countries led to Indian government denying travel to Pakistan, stance remained intact.
“First and foremost is the safety of the players. Then comes respect,” said Kaneria. “There are a lot of factors. I believe the BCCI is doing very well. I believe that all the countries will agree to the final verdict.”
As per reports, Pakistan intends to purse its strategy of perfecting India’s games by arranging all of the matches in Lahore which lies close to Amritsar in an effort to make it more convenient to the Indian team and fans via the Wagah-Attari border. Nevertheless, other reports have also suggested that BCCI is aiming to look at a hybrid format of the tournament similar to last year Asia cup.
India hosted all its matches of the Asia Cup 2023 in Sri Lanka.
