‘It was a day dream that India will come to Pakan’: Mohammad Hafeez on Champions Trophy 2025 impasse | Cricket News
Former Pakan player Mohammad Hafeez took a dig at India for not coming to Pakan for the upcoming Champions Trophy next year, saying that all other cricket nations have no problem in coming there but but somehow it’s not *secure* for India.
“It was a day dream that India wil come to Pakan to play #ChampionsTrophy2025. Pakan is safe & ready to host the event. Pakan hosting all cricket nations at home but somehow not *secure* for India. Waiting for strong & surprised response from government & PCB,” Hafeez posted on X.
Earlier this publication reported that BCCI, in a recent communication to the Pakan Cricket Board, has cited security concerns behind its decision and expressed a desire that India play all their games in Dubai.
It was a day dream that India wil come to Pakan to play #ChampionsTrophy2025. Pakan is safe & ready to host the event. Pakan hosting all cricket nations at home but somehow not *secure* for India 😇😇😇. Waiting for strong & surprised response from government & PCB.
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) November 11, 2024
“This has been our stance and there is no reason to change that. We have written to them and asked them to shift our games to Dubai,” a source told The Indian Express.
Sources said the BCCI has reiterated its stand over Pakan “in consultation with the government”. Last year before the Asia Cup, India, despite pressure from hosts Pakan, was able to shift its matches to Sri Lanka.
Former Pakan cricketer Rashid Latif has also criticized India for not traveling to Pakan.
“ICC exs only because there is Pakan and India. If the government of Pakan also says like India that we won’t play, then the ICC will be of no use as no one will watch the match,” Latif said speaking to local news channels as quoted Cricket Pakan.
“We can say that India does not want to play bilateral matches, but you can’t deny the ICC events as you already have signed it. India has to make solid ground. If India doesn’t come this time, Pakan will take a big step not participating in the tournament,” he had said.
