'Cricket doesn’t end with them' - Hasan Ali lambasts India’s rumored CT 2025 boycott

On July 21 (Sunday), Pakistan speedster Hasan Ali minced no words as he criticised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian government for reportedly not being on board with sending the Indian cricket team to play in Pakistan. 

Reacting to unconfirmed rumours of India boycotting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is to be hosted by Pakistan in February-March next year, Ali said that cricket doesn’t end with India not playing it. 

"If we're going to India to play, then they should come to Pakistan too,” fumed the 30-year-old in an interview with Pakistani TV channel Samaa TV. 

However, the man with 260 wickets in international cricket, across formats, suggested that it is not the Indian players, but rather the administration that is at fault. 

“Many Indian players have said in interviews that they want to play in Pakistan. So, it doesn't mean that the team doesn't want to come; they do. But obviously, they have their policies, country, and board to consider,” added the right-arm pacer. 

India have not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup while Pakistan last played a bilateral series in India in 2012. Both the teams have met in ICC and ACC tournaments ever since and Pakistan have travelled to India for ICC events such as the 2016 T20 World Cup and 2023 ODI World Cup. 

However, on one occasion, when Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup in 2023, just ahead of the ODI World Cup, India's refusal to travel to Pakistan meant that a hybrid model had to be created, with both Pakistan and Sri Lanka hosting games.

Ali, who has featured in 24 Tests, 66 ODIs and 51 T20Is for the Pakistani team, said that he doesn’t want a similar situation arising this time around and if that means India not featuring in the Champions Trophy, so be it. 

“As our (PCB) chairman has already said, if the Champions Trophy is going to be held in Pakistan, then it will be in Pakistan. If India doesn't want to come, we'll play without them. If India doesn't want to participate, it doesn't mean cricket has ended. There are many other teams besides India," concluded the 2017 Champions Trophy hero for the Men in Green. 

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