Afghanistan Boosts Pakistan By Confirming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Participation

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has received a positive response from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), which has confirmed its team's participation in the Champions Trophy scheduled for February-March 2025 in Pakistan.

During the ICC Annual Board Meeting in Colombo, ACB president Mirwais Ashraf and CEO Naseeb Khan met with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. They assured him that Afghanistan is eager to send its team to Pakistan for the event. "They told the chairman that Afghanistan is looking forward to sending its team to Pakistan since they are participating in the Champions Trophy for the first time," a PCB source told PTI.

This assurance comes amid growing concerns within the PCB due to the BCCI's reluctance to send their team to Pakistan over security issues. The PCB had to adopt a hybrid model for hosting the Asia Cup 2023 after India refused to travel to Pakistan, despite Pakistan being the designated host.

There were speculations that other countries might follow India's lead if the BCCI decided against sending its team to Pakistan. "They gave the assurance after speculations about some countries following India's path if the BCCI decides not to send its team to Pakistan for the event," he said.

The general belief in Pakistan is that due to its financial power and influence, the BCCI can easily persuade other regional cricket boards, including those of Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, to follow suit.

Former PCB Chairman's Concerns

Former PCB chairman Khalid Mehmood recently expressed concerns in an interview. He claimed that if India did not send its team, it could lead teams like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan to insist on playing at an alternative venue.

However, during their meeting in Colombo, ACB officials reassured Naqvi of Afghanistan's commitment to participate in the 2025 Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan. This event marks a significant milestone as it will be the first major ICC event held in Pakistan since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup with India and Sri Lanka.

(With PTI Inputs)