INDIA REFUSES TO TRAVEL TO PAKISTAN FOR 2025 ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY DUE TO SECURITY CONCERNS
New Delhi, November 11: In a strong statement, former cricketer and politician Kirti Azad has asserted that sports and terrorism cannot coexist, as India refuses to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy due to security concerns in the country.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) of its decision not to send the Indian team to Pakistan, reigniting the long-standing diplomatic and sporting tensions between the two neighbours. Azad emphasized that sports should adhere to principles of fair play and will not compromise on India's stance against terrorism.
Citing examples from history, such as apartheid-era South Africa and the 1984 Olympic Games boycotted by the Western bloc in protest of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Azad highlighted the role of sports in signaling moral and political positions. He stated that nations have used sports to take principled stands and bring attention to human rights violations.
The Champions Trophy, a marquee event set to return in 2025 after eight years, is expected to feature the world's top eight cricketing teams, with Pakistan securing the hosting rights. However, India's refusal is rooted in both security and moral concerns, with geopolitical strains between the nations being longstanding and influenced by Pakistan's history of supporting terrorism.
Azad reiterated that India has taken a firm stance against terrorism and will uphold its policy strictly. He mentioned that there might be no issue in resuming sports relations once the situation improves and Pakistan stops supporting terrorism, but until then, the decision remains firm.
The BCCI's stance has sparked international attention, with many taking notice of India's commitment to maintaining its security-first approach in international engagements. The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is set to be a test of how far this message can be conveyed through sports.