Salman Butt feels India must travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.© BCCI
Ever since Pakistan won the rights to host the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, much has been said and written about India’s participation in the tournament. Cricket relations between India and Pakistan are less than ideal due to political differences between the two countries. Pakistan visited India last year for the ODI World Cup, but it is reported that the Indian government is unlikely to give permission to travel to Pakistan. However, former Pakistan captain Salman Butt feels it is Pakistan’s right to host the Champions Trophy, adding that India must travel to Pakistan like any other participating team.
Bhatt also highlighted that India’s kabaddi and tennis teams have recently played tournaments in Pakistan and said the Indian government cannot be picky.
“Pakistan has the hosting rights for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 and it should be held in Pakistan. India should come to Pakistan like any other team. Pakistan went to India for the World Cup so should India. A lot is being said about ties between the two countries but the Indian kabaddi and tennis teams have also visited the same Pakistan. Either you completely sever ties or try to be normal everywhere. You cannot be picky like they are doing,” Bhatt said in a video on his YouTube channel.
On a lighter note, Butt suggested Pakistani cricket fans would love to see players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma play for their country – two Indian greats who boast huge fan bases in Pakistan.
“Pakistani fans want to see Indian players play. There are many fans of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in Pakistan and some even bring posters of them during PSL matches despite knowing that they are not in the league. People want to see these stars play in front of their eyes. There are definitely fans of Pakistani players in India too,” he added.
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