February 12, 2025: Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has firmly supported India’s decision to not travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy, asserting that the country’s stance on national security must always take precedence over sporting engagements.
In a candid conversation, Dhawan was clear in his response when asked if he believed India should play in Pakistan: “No, I don’t think so. Cricket shouldn’t come before our country’s stand. Until terrorism ends, there should be no cricket in Pakistan,” he told .
Dhawan highlighted that political and administrative tensions between the two nations have long impacted bilateral cricket. However, he emphasized that decisions regarding international engagements are made at the highest levels of government and that players do not have the authority to influence such matters. “First, the governments need to be on the same page. Then it comes down to the cricket boards, and finally to the players. Players don’t have much say in these matters. If our country has taken a stand that we will not play in Pakistan, then we stand by it,” Dhawan explained.
This statement reflects India’s long-standing policy of not engaging in bilateral cricket with Pakistan outside of ICC tournaments, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) deciding to play their Champions Trophy matches at a neutral venue in the UAE.
Pakistan has frequently expressed frustration over India’s growing influence in international cricket, especially regarding financial and decision-making powers within the International Cricket Council (ICC). In response to such complaints, Dhawan remained unfazed, stating, “No worries, let it be,” dismissing concerns about the financial dominance of the Indian cricket board.
India’s firm stance has received widespread support within the cricketing community, including from Dhawan, who emphasized that national security is far more important than cricket or any sporting event. He made it clear that such decisions should be made with the greater interest of the nation in mind.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dhawan has represented India in all formats, with ODI cricket being his forte. In 167 ODI appearances, he scored 6,793 runs at an average of 44.1, including 17 centuries and 39 fifties. His contributions to Indian cricket are remembered through his consistent performances across formats, particularly in Test cricket, where he scored 2,315 runs in 34 matches. In T20Is, Dhawan scored 1,759 runs, including 11 fifties. Additionally, his domestic career was marked by impressive performances, including 8,499 First-Class runs and over 12,000 List A runs.
As India continues its policy of prioritizing national security, Dhawan’s remarks underscore the importance of standing united as a nation in the face of political challenges while continuing to support the sport and the integrity of international cricket.