Vikrant Shekhawat : Sep 13, 2024, 07:00 AM
Champions Trophy: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is to host the ICC Champions Trophy in February and March 2025. In preparation for this important tournament, the PCB has started renovation work in several major stadiums including Lahore and Karachi. However, an important issue regarding this tournament is still unresolved: the participation of the Indian team.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already made it clear that they will follow the orders of the Indian government, indicating that Team India will not go to Pakistan and participate in this tournament. In this situation, former Pakistani player Moin Khan has given an important advice to the PCB, which can be important for future cricket events.Cricket should be kept away from politicsMoin Khan clarified the boundaries between cricket and politics in his statement. He said that cricket should be kept away from politics and the great players of Indian cricket should advise the BCCI that the game should be kept away from politics. According to him, matches between India and Pakistan are special for fans across the cricketing world and benefit not just Pakistan but the entire cricketing community. Moin Khan urged India to honour its commitments to the ICC and not let cricket be affected by politics.Hybrid model likely if Indian team does not comeIf the Indian team does not come to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, the PCB may need to consider a 'hybrid model' to organise the tournament. Moin Khan advised that if the Indian team does not come to Pakistan, the PCB should consider participating in future tournaments in India. This could be a kind of exchange that could maintain the continuity of cricket between the two countries and reduce the difficulties of hosting matches.ConclusionHosting the ICC Champions Trophy is an important occasion for Pakistan, but the possible absence of the Indian team has raised many questions about the event. Moin Khan's advice is important in this context, clarifying the boundaries between cricket and politics and showing a possible direction for future events. It remains to be seen how the PCB addresses this challenge and resolves the complex situation of cricket between India and Pakistan.