Former cricketer and 1983 World Cup-winning star Madan Lal has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to consider moving the 2025 Champions Trophy out of Pakistan. Madan Lal’s statement came amid intense political unrest in Pakistan in Islamabad ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.

The situation in Pakistan seems worrying as the country faces major unrest. Security forces have launched attacks on supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The protests are part of a broader campaign by PTI supporters demanding the release of Imran Khan, jailed since August.

Sri Lanka A leaves Pakistan midway due to political protests

On Tuesday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the postponement of the last two 50-over games between Pakistan Shaheens and Sri Lanka A following consultations with Sri Lanka Cricket. These games are scheduled for Wednesday and Friday. Pakistan Shaheens won by 108 runs in the first game.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board, in consultation with Sri Lanka Cricket, has postponed the last two 50-over matches of the Pakistan Shaheens-Sri Lanka ‘A’ series due to political activity in the federal capital. The last two matches were scheduled for Wednesday and Friday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. “Both boards will collaborate to finalize new dates to complete the series,” reads the PCB statement.

The decision to postpone the remaining ODI matches between Pakistan Shaheens and Sri Lanka A was taken to ensure the safety of the Sri Lankan players. This move is a setback for Pakistan, especially as the 50+ ICC is scheduled to be held in the country in February-March next year.

How can Pakistan have a champions trophy? – Madan Lal

How can Pakistan have a champion’s trophy, when their country is on fire? It is better for Pakistan to play outside and earn money for cricket. At some point the ego kills you.

—Madan Lal (@MadanLal1983) November 27, 2024

The Champions Trophy will be played from February 19 to March 9

The Champions Trophy 2025 was scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. However, the future of the tournament is uncertain following India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) wants to play in a hybrid model with its matches outside Pakistan.

However, the Pakistan Cricket Board has insisted that all matches be held in the country. The PCB has renovated stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi in preparation for the tournament. It is worth noting that India has not visited Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup after the Mumbai terror attacks.

The upcoming tournament will be Pakistan’s first ICC event since co-hosting the 1996 ODI World Cup. Notably, the PCB has threatened to boycott future ICC events against India if the BCCI refuses to send a team to Pakistan.

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