‘Safety of players is first priority’ – Danish Kaneria brushes off idea of Indian team’s Pakistan travel

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Champions Trophy 2025 will be hosted by Pakistan and is scheduled to commence in February. Ahead of the marquee event, dark clouds loom over the Indian team’s travel to the neighbouring country. The BCCI has stated that the team’s travel will rely on the Indian government’s green signal and the possibility of the same looks bleak. Former Pakistan skipper, Danish Kaneria has stated that the Indian team should not travel to Pakistan.

The Asia Cup 2023 was played in a hybrid model as India refused to travel to Pakistan. Kaneria took a leaflet from the Asian tournament and suggested India should not travel to Pakistan as the situation is not conducive. Though the Asia Cup was shifted to Sri Lanka, Kaneria suggested that Dubai could be a feasible place to conduct the event’s India games.

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“Look at the situation in Pakistan I have to say that the Indian team should not go to Pakistan, and Pakistan should think about it. The ICC will make their decision and most likely Champions Trophy will be played in a hybrid model in Dubai,” Kaneria said on Sports Tak.

“The safety of the players is the first priority. Respect is the second priority. I think BCCI is doing a great job. Whatever their decision is, other countries will also have to accept that. I think it will be a hybrid model” Kaneria added.

Security is the biggest concern: Kaneria

PCB cancelled the first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Lahore as the stadium was under construction. The game was shifted to Rawalpindi and PCB cited that the stadium was not equipped enough to conduct the ICC event. Kaneria highlighting the issues and cited that security is the biggest threat.

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“They’re (PCB) equipped but they must upgrade the infrastructure first. Security is the biggest concern, a big question mark,” he added.