Former Pakistani leg-spinner Danish Kaneria in his recent interview publicly advised the Indian cricket team to refrain from visiting Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.
In a recent online interview, Kaneria said that despite Pakistan’s insistence, he doubts India will send its team, suggesting Pakistan to proceed the tournament without India if they can.
Additionally, the former cricketer alleges that Hindu minorities in Pakistan face challenges, which he believes adds complexity to India’s potential participation.
Danish Kaneria also called on the ICC to finalize its stance, predicting that the tournament may ultimately adopt a hybrid model, with the India-Pakistan match likely to be held in Dubai.
It is worth noting here that the Danish Kaneria’s reputation was damaged when he was found guilty of spot-fixing in 2012 while playing for Essex and was banned for life from playing county cricket in England and Wales.
Earlier in the day, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) penned down a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC), asserting its stance against hosting the Champions Trophy 2025 in a hybrid model following India’s decision.
According to ARY News, the PCB wrote to the ICC, detailing the government’s firm position on the matter and rejecting the option for India to play its matches in the UAE.
Sources indicate that the PCB’s letter made clear that if the Indian team does not come to Pakistan, Pakistan will not engage in any future matches with India at alternative venues.
The PCB’s stance follows India’s recent refusal to send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, citing security concerns and advocating for a hybrid model like that used in the Asia Cup.
