NEW DELHI: Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has called India’s decision to not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as “unfortunate” for cricket fans in Pakistan. Speaking as part of the ICC Champions Trophy Tour in Sydney, Watson emphasised the significance of the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry and the unique energy it brings to global cricket events.
“It’s unfortunate that things worked out that way. But there’s no doubt that what everyone loves is watching the India-Pakistan game,” Watson said. “Whenever they come together, whether in ICC events, it’s a really special time because we get a sense of what’s on the line. From an Australian cricket perspective, we know how big the rivalry is between us and England. The India-Pakistan rivalry is just as huge. No cricket fan wants to miss that game. So, it’s unfortunate that India aren’t travelling to Pakistan for this Champions Trophy.”
The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, marks the return of the global tournament after its last edition in 2017. Defending champions Pakistan will host matches in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, with the UAE serving as a neutral venue.
Watson expressed joy for Pakistan cricket fans, calling the tournament a significant moment for the nation. “It’s gonna be huge for the Pakistan cricket fans to be able to have the opportunity to watch world-class cricket in the country,” he said.
Reflecting on his own experience playing in Pakistan during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2019, Watson shared his admiration for the fans’ passion for the sport. “I got a small opportunity to play in the Pakistan Super League in 2019, the first time after playing there in 2005. It was one of the highlights of my career. To go to Pakistan after a long time and see the love and joy they have for cricket was incredible. They were starved of world-class live cricket,” Watson noted.
With eight teams divided into two groups, the tournament promises intense competition. Group A features Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B includes Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa.
As Watson highlighted, the Champions Trophy is poised to reignite the excitement of international cricket in Pakistan. “Now the ICC event is in Pakistan, the country is gonna light up. It’s so beautiful for Pakistan cricket to be exposed to live, best cricketers in the world playing in front of their own eyes. It’s really gonna be a special tournament for sure,” he concluded.
