Former Team India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan suggested that the BCCI has done the right thing by not sending the men’s team to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025. Pathan, who was part of Team India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2007, opined that whatever the board does, does it in good faith for the country and the countrymen.
Even as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had released the schedule of the Champions Trophy a few months ago, the BCCI had revealed that they did not receive permission from the government to send their team to the neighbouring nation. While the ICC is yet to release the official schedule of the tournament, India are likely to play their matches in Dubai.
Speaking ANI, here’s what Yusuf said:
“Dekhiye jo BCCI hai woh hamesha player ke baare mein sochta hai, unki security ke baare mein sochta hai, unki family ke baare mein sochta hai. Toh jo bhi BCCI karta hai, woh player ki hit mein hee hota hai. Aur saath hee jo desh ke hit mein hota hai, woh BCCI karta hai.”
(Look, BCCI always thinks about the players, their security and family. So, whatever BCCI does, they always do so, keeping in mind the safety of the players. Along with that, the BCCI also does whatever is good for the country.)
“The only focus is on the win for cricket, that’s most important” – Mohsin Naqvi
During a recent interaction, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the sport winning is more important to him than anything else and stated, as quoted by India Today:
“A lot of things are going on, and I do not want anything to get spoilt in the middle of this rush. We have given our point of view on some points, and so have India. The only focus is on the win for cricket, that’s most important and definitely, everything in proper manner and with respect. We are going to do what is gonna be best for cricket. Whatever the formula the tournament is played in, definitely not a hybrid formula yet, but even if it is a new formula, it will be equal for everyone.”
