Salman Butt challenges ICC’s ‘authority’ over India’s participation in Champions Trophy 2025
Pakistan will host the ICC event between February and March next year
Former cricketer Salman Butt challenged the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) authority over India’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 which will be hosted by Pakistan.
Butt, a former Pakistani captain, stated that if India do not come to play the event in Pakistan, then it will be ICC’s problem and we should let them deal with it.
Recently, the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) secretary, Jay Shah, made a statement saying that India have their eyes on the World Test Championship and the Champions Trophy, which made many wonder that India may travel to Pakistan to play the event.
However, Butt is of the view that Shah did not give any signal with his statement and even if he did, Pakistan should let ICC ensure India’s visit to the country to play the event.
"We try sensationalizing everything. There have been a few reports suggesting that Jay Shah has given a positive signal. However, I don't think he's given any signals. I wouldn't have been excited even if there had been a signal from him because it is the ICC's duty to ensure that all teams visit Pakistan," Butt said on his YouTube channel.
He then went on to say that ICC’s authority and neutrality will be in front of everyone over how they deal with India should they refuse to come to Pakistan.
"If they come, then they welcome, if they don't, the ICC has to deal with it. We will find out if they can just deal with all the other countries or can do the same with India as well. It will show how much authority they have as a regulator and how neutral they can be," Butt added.
The event will mark the return of the ICC Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus, with its last occurrence in 2017, when Pakistan emerged victorious by defeating India in the final.
The teams confirmed for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy include Pakistan (hosts), India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, England, and Bangladesh.
Comments