Former Pakistan Cricketers Express Anger Over India's Decision to Skip ICC Champions Trophy

Pakistan’s former cricketing greats have voiced their strong dissatisfaction following the news that India will not be sending its team to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. After the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that India would not travel to Pakistan, citing a preference for a neutral venue in a hybrid model, former Pakistani cricketers have expressed their frustration and anger.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that they received an email from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding India’s reluctance to play in Pakistan. India has suggested that matches could be played at neutral venues instead. Reacting to this development, former Pakistan Test captain Javed Miandad has called for a boycott of matches against India.

“This is becoming a joke,” Miandad said. “Even if we don’t play with India, Pakistan’s cricket will not only survive but improve, as has been seen in the past. I want to see how ICC events generate money when there are no matches between Pakistan and India.”

Another former Pakistan captain, Inzamam-ul-Haq, also expressed his disappointment with India’s decision. “They are depriving cricket of such a big opportunity,” he said. “There is no threat to the Indian team in Pakistan. If they come to Pakistan, they will receive the best hospitality.”

Rashid Latif, yet another former Pakistan captain, has urged the PCB to take a strong stance against India. "Enough is enough," he stated. "When all other teams are playing in Pakistan without any issues, India’s decision is purely political, and this should be unacceptable in cricket and all sports."

Mohsin Khan, a former Test cricketer, also weighed in, emphasizing that sports and politics should remain separate. “I wonder if the Indian government truly believes that there is any threat to their team in Pakistan. But I would advise staying calm and not making hasty decisions before assessing the situation.”

The ongoing political tension between India and Pakistan continues to impact the world of cricket, with India’s decision to skip the Champions Trophy raising further concerns about the future of bilateral cricketing ties between the two nations. Despite this, Pakistan's former cricket stars have stressed that cricket should remain above politics, and the decision to not play in Pakistan is not only politically motivated but also harmful to the sport.