ICC Champions Trophy 2025: "Your country is burning" - Pakistan strictly told to play matches outside

Former cricketer and 1983 World Cup-winning star Madan Lal urged that the International Cricket Council (ICC) must consider moving Champions Trophy 2025 out of Pakistan. Madan Lal's statement came amid the intense political unrest in Pakistan in Islamabad ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.

The situation in Pakistan seems concerning, with the country facing significant unrest. Security forces have launched attacks on supporters of former PM Imran Khan. The protests are part of a broader campaign by PTI supporters demanding the release of Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned since August.

Sri Lanka A Leaves Pakistan Midway Due to Political Protests

On Tuesday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the postponement of the last two 50-over games between Pakistan Shaheens and Sri Lanka A following consultations with Sri Lanka Cricket. These matches are scheduled for Wednesday and Friday. Pakistan Shaheens won by 108 runs in the first game.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board, in consultation with Sri Lanka Cricket, has postponed the last two 50-over matches of the Pakistan Shaheens-Sri Lanka ‘A’ series due to a political activity in the federal capital. The last two matches were scheduled for Wednesday and Friday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Both boards will collaborate to finalise new dates to complete the series,” the PCB statement read.

The decision to postpone the remaining ODI matches between Pakistan Shaheens and Sri Lanka A was made to ensure the safety of the Sri Lankan players. This move is a setback for Pakistan, especially with the ICC 50-over scheduled to take place in the country in February-March next year.

How Can Pakistan Have Champions Trophy - Madan Lal

Amid the political turmoil in Pakistan, Madan Lal took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express concerns regarding the Champions Trophy 2025. He questioned how Pakistan could host the tournament when the country is in such a volatile state.

"How can Pakistan have champions trophy, when your country is burning.Its better for Pakistan to play out side make money for cricket. Some time ego kills you," Madan Lal wrote.

How can Pakistan have champions trophy, when your country is burning.Its better for Pakistan to play out side make money for cricket. Some time ego kills you. — Madan Lal (@MadanLal1983) November 27, 2024

Champions Trophy Set To Be Played from February 19 to March 9

The 2025 Champions Trophy was scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. However, the future of the tournament is uncertain following India's refusal to travel to Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) wants to play in a hybrid model with their matches outside Pakistan.

However, the Pakistan Cricket Board has insisted that all matches be hosted in the country. The PCB has renovated stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi in preparation for the tournament. It's worth noting that India has not visited Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup after the Mumbai terror attacks.

The upcoming tournament will be Pakistan's first ICC event since co-hosting the 1996 ODI World Cup. Notably, the PCB has threatened to boycott future ICC events against India if the BCCI refuses to send a team to Pakistan.

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