Harbhajan Singh Endorses BCCI’s Decision to Avoid Travel to Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has voiced strong support for the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) reported decision not to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament, scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February to March 2025, faces uncertainty regarding India’s participation.

Recent reports from Indian media suggest that the BCCI is seeking government approval to travel to Pakistan, but security concerns have prompted the board to explore alternative options. According to sources, Dubai and Sri Lanka are being considered as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.

Harbhajan Singh, during an interview with IANS, expressed his backing for the BCCI’s decision, citing significant security risks in Pakistan. Singh highlighted the importance of player safety and agreed with the BCCI’s stance.

“Why should the Indian team go to Pakistan? There is a safety concern in Pakistan. The situation is such that incidents occur almost daily,” Singh said. “It’s not safe for the team to go there. The BCCI’s stance is absolutely correct—nothing is more important than the safety of our players. I fully support the BCCI’s decision.”

India had previously refused to travel to Pakistan for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023, leading to the event being hosted in a hybrid model with Sri Lanka as a co-host. India has not visited Pakistan for a cricket match since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to enduring political tensions. In contrast, Pakistan has toured India four times in the past 16 years, with the most recent visit being for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.