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Amir was more pleased that the game between the two rival nations was going ahead and was not fussed about the venue, seeing that fans would find a way to be a part of this iconic fixture no matter the venue.
India and Pakistan will play each other in the Champions Trophy 2025 on neutral territory. (AFP, X)
The former Pakistan fast-bowler, Mohammad Amir expressed his pleasure that both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have come to an agreement regarding the Champions Trophy 2025 and also the marquee matchup between India and Pakistan, set to be played at a neutral venue.
Amir was more pleased that the game between the two rival nations was going ahead and was not fussed about the venue, seeing that fans would find a way to be a part of this iconic fixture no matter the venue.
“As a cricketer, I welcome this announcement of the India vs Pakistan match in Champions Trophy 2025 in a neutral venue (as per the hybrid model). Even if this contest of India & Pakistan happens on the moon, fans will find a way,” Amir was quoted by ANI saying.
“I welcome the fact that the match between India and Pakistan is taking place. The significance lies in the match itself, not the venue. I am happy, and I am sure all those who want to see this iconic clash will be happy too,” he added.
However, Amir was also fairly critical regarding the ICC and why the situation was not resolved earlier, considering that the tournament has been in the works for quite some time now. He suggested that the ICC approached the problem lazily and a solution for the same could have been resolved sooner.
“They have scheduled tournaments until 2031, so why did the work on the Champions Trophy 2025 only begin two months ago?” he questioned.
“ICC has acted very lazily (over delays in dealing with the Champions Trophy). ICC should have gotten into the act to resolve this deadlock sooner since the calendar is set years in advance,” he added.
Amir concluded by suggesting that it was important to have IND vs PAK matches with the fans and many players eager to take part in this contest, which has not become a rarity, due to the political tensions between the two countries.
It is necessary to have a match between India and Pakistan, everyone is waiting for the match between India & Pakistan, including me,” he concluded.
