SYDNEY: Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has expressed his deep disappointment over India’s decision not to travel to Pakistan for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 

The eight-team tournament, initially set to be hosted solely by Pakistan, has been affected by ongoing political tensions between the two nations. Due to security concerns, the Indian government decided against sending its team to Pakistan, leading the International Cricket Council (ICC) to adopt a hybrid model for the tournament. As a result, Team India will play all of their matches in Dubai, with the rest of the games held in Pakistan. Watson, who spoke at the ICC Champions Trophy Tour in Sydney, described the situation as “unfortunate” for Pakistani fans who will miss the opportunity to see India play on home soil. “It’s unfortunate things have turned out this way, but everyone loves watching India-Pakistan games,” Watson said. The India-Pakistan rivalry has long been one of the most anticipated matchups in world cricket, and fans in Pakistan were hoping for a chance to watch the contest live.

Reflecting on his own experience in Pakistan, Watson revealed how special it was to play there. “I got a small opportunity to play in the PSL in 2019, the first time after playing there in 2005. It was one of the highlights of my career,” he said. He went on to share the joy of seeing Pakistan’s passion for cricket, which had been starved of international cricket for years. “To go to Pakistan after a long time and see the love and joy they have for cricket was incredible,” Watson added. The former cricketer also emphasized the significance of hosting such a prestigious event in Pakistan. “This tournament will light up Pakistan. It’s going to be a special event for the country and its cricket fans,” Watson stated. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will begin on February 19, with host Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match in Karachi. The tournament finale is scheduled for March 9 in Lahore, although it will be moved to Dubai if India qualifies.