• Shahid Afridi criticized India’s potential absence from Champions Trophy.
• PCB insists on hosting all matches in Pakistan.
• Pakistan prepares three stadiums for the tournament.

Ex-cricketer Shahid Afridi voiced his dissatisfaction on Monday regarding the Indian cricket team’s hesitation to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, stating that if the Indian team is reluctant to visit Pakistan, they are better off not coming.

“We have visited several Indian cities even in difficult situations and despite the threats,” Afridi mentioned during a media interaction in Karachi.

Despite speculations about a neutral venue or an alternative plan, the PCB is adamant about conducting all the Champions Trophy 2025 games within Pakistan. Reports suggest that the Indian team may not come to Pakistan and instead play their matches at a neutral location.

Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore are set to be the venues for the eight-team tournament, and as per the PCB’s schedule submitted to the ICC, all of India’s games are slated for Lahore.

All participating teams, except India, have already competed in Pakistan, and the PCB contends that India lacks a valid reason for their absence.

The Champions Trophy’s comeback in 2025 will be significant, marking eight years since its last edition in 2017, where Pakistan clinched the title by defeating India in the final.

The PCB has earmarked Rs12.80 billion to upgrade three stadiums: Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Karachi’s National Bank Cricket Arena, and Rawalpindi’s International Cricket Stadium, in preparation for the prestigious event.

Should India opt out of traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, Pakistan may reciprocate by not attending the 2026 T20 World Cup in India, which is set to be co-hosted with Sri Lanka.

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