February 22, 2025: Former wicketkeeper batter Moin Khan has called for the resumption of bilateral matches between India and Pakistan ahead of their highly anticipated Champions Trophy clash in Dubai. Speaking on the issue, Moin expressed his disappointment over India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the marquee ICC event, especially as several top teams had agreed to participate in the competition being held there.
The future of the Champions Trophy had been uncertain when India initially declined to visit Pakistan for the tournament. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remained firm on hosting the entire tournament in their country, but the impasse was eventually resolved when both sides agreed to play India-Pakistan matches on neutral venues for future ICC events.
Moin, however, believes that India’s reluctance to play in Pakistan for the Champions Trophy is disappointing, particularly since major teams have agreed to tour Pakistan for the event. He stressed the enthusiasm of millions of Pakistani fans who are eager to witness cricketing icons like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah in Lahore and Karachi. “It is really sad that they have not come to Pakistan this time,” Moin said, speaking to Telecom Asia Sport.
Due to strained political relations between India and Pakistan, the Indian team has not toured Pakistan since 2008, when they participated in the Asia Cup. Since then, the two teams have only met in ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup. India last hosted Pakistan for a bilateral series in 2012-13.
While India has stayed away from Pakistan, the Pakistan team has traveled to India for major tournaments, including the 2016 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup. Moin believes that cricket diplomacy could be a key to resolving the issue and reopening bilateral ties. He recalled the camaraderie between Pakistani and Indian cricketers off the field, despite the fierce rivalry on it.
“I strongly feel the people and officials from both nations, as well as the two boards, should adopt cricket diplomacy to make things work and help resume Pak-India bilateral matches regularly,” Moin said, emphasizing the need for both countries to come together through the sport to rebuild ties.