Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav faced questions from fans about the ongoing standoff between India and Pakistan over the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, while interacting with supporters in South Africa.
India recently announced it will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament, a stance relayed by the ICC to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Following this decision, media reports suggested that Pakistan might even consider withdrawing from the tournament altogether.
In a video circulating on social media, a fan is seen asking Suryakumar, “Mujhe ek baat bata saktein hai? Pakistan kyu nahi aa rahe aap? (Why are you not coming to Pakistan?)”
Suryakumar responded with a smile, “Arrey bhaiya, hamare haath mein thodi hai (Brother, it is not in our hands),” highlighting the constraints beyond the players' control in such matters.
The PCB has firmly rejected the possibility of a hybrid model, which would allow India to play its matches at a neutral venue, likely in the UAE. According to local media, the Pakistani government may even consider instructing the PCB to withdraw Pakistan's participation entirely if a compromise is not reached.
“One of the options the government is mulling is to ensure Pakistan doesn't participate in the Champions Trophy,” the report quoted an official source.
Meanwhile, Suryakumar is in South Africa, leading the Indian T20 team in a closely contested four-match series, currently tied at 1-1. India won the first match in Durban by 61 runs, while South Africa claimed victory in the second game at Gqeberha by three wickets, ending India’s 11-match winning streak in the T20I format. The Indian team has now arrived in Centurion, where they will play the third T20I as the series intensifies.
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