「パキスタンはスポーツにとって友好的でも安全な国でもない」：元スポーツ大臣、インドのチャンピオンズトロフィー渡航拒否を支持

Former Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Anurag Thakur has backed the BCCI’s decision to refuse traveling to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025. India, who last traveled to Pakistan in 2008, have continued to remain firm in their stance and have categorically refused to play CT 2025 in the neighbouring country. Thakur explained that the conditions in Pakistan were not “sports friendly, safe or secure”.

“Conditions in Pakistan not sports friendly” for Champions Trophy

As per news agency ANI, Anurag Thakur pointed out that India had made it very clear that the safety and security of its players was paramount. He added that India had no intentions of travelling to Pakistan until the latter resolved issues related to terrorism. He backed the decision made by BCCI to not send the team to play in Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025.

“India has made it very clear that the safety and security of the players are very important and we have been very consistent with our stand as far as playing in Pakistan is concerned. Till the time they do not have control or check over the terrorist activities and cross-border activities, India is not willing to play there. The conditions in Pakistan are not very sports-friendly, not very safe and secure. The decision made by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) is right,” Anurag Thakur said.

Latest news

The ICC Champions Trophy will be held in a hybrid model, with India playing its matches in Dubai while the event spans the UAE and Pakistan, as per reports. However, this is yet to be finalized and is expected to be taken up for discussion when ICC chairman Jay Shah meets the Board of Directors in Dubai.

Reports have claimed that the PCB has agreed to a hybrid model for Champions Trophy 2025 but has demanded that a same model be adopted for future ICC events scheduled to be held in India till 2027.