Indian Players Would Have Enjoyed Playing In Pakistan: Mohammad Amir

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir, who retired from international cricket in December last year, revealed that he was really keen on seeing India travel to Pakistan to play in the Champions Trophy but admitted that some things are unfortunately not under the players’ control.

The Indian government’s refusal to send its players to Pakistan - owing to concerns over safety - forced the International Cricket Council (ICC) to implement a hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy, with India playing all their matches in Dubai. 

Amir insisted that it was disappointing to not have the Indian players over in Pakistan as he believes they would have thoroughly enjoyed their time in the country.

"I really wanted the Indian team to come to Pakistan. As a player, I want Pakistan to go to India and India to come to Pakistan. There are no boundaries in cricket; those who set boundaries, I've always been against that,” Amir told TOI.

"I was hopeful that India would come, and Indian team Pakistan aati toh unko maza ata (India would enjoy it too). The players would have enjoyed it a lot, but at the end of the day, players don't have control over these things," he added.

Pakistan traveled to India to play the 2023 ODI World Cup but it’s now been officially decided that, for the next three years, the two sides will ‘only’ meet at neutral venues. Amir said that he was not a fan of this directive and hoped for things to change in the years to come.

“Now, you see, even Pakistanis are not going to India; this has been decided, which, in my opinion, is not a good thing. I hope in the future, there will be a resolution to end these issues,” he said.

It was in July 2008 that India last played an international match in Pakistan. The two sides have been drawn in the same group in the 2025 Champions Trophy and will lock horns in Dubai on February 23 (Sunday).