NEW DELHI: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav criticised India’s decision to skip the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, saying that politics should not interfere with sports urged the Men in Blue participate in the tournament. Yadav, who played cricket for the Jharkhand state team and was contracted to the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) franchise, said that “sports should be seen as sports.”
“Involving politics into sports is not a good thing. We should go; other teams should travel to India. Doesn’t everyone participate in the Olympics? Why shouldn’t India go to Pakistan? What is the objection? If the PM can go there to have biryani, then it’s good. If the Indian team travels, why is this not good?” the RJD leader said.
The controversy arises from India’s refusal to participate in the tournament, citing security concerns. This decision has led to a stalemate between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), with the ICC yet to find a resolution. The Champions Trophy, scheduled for February 19 to March 9, 2025, has been overshadowed by growing political tensions, further worsened by recent instability in Pakistan.
On Tuesday, Sri Lanka’s A team withdrew from their tour of Pakistan mid-series due to unrest in Islamabad, fuelling concerns among other cricketing nations about safety. This has strengthened the case for either a hybrid model, where some matches are played in neutral venues, or relocating the entire tournament outside Pakistan. However, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi remains firm on hosting the event, dismissing the hybrid model and calling for equality in cricketing relations. “Our stance is clear. If we play in India, they should play here,” he said.
The PCB has urged the ICC for clarity on India’s objections, emphasising that decisions must prioritise the sport’s interests. The ICC Board is expected to meet on November 29 to address the impasse, with Pakistan insisting that any resolution respects the principle of fairness.
