Champions Trophy: “Don’t Hug Virat Kohli”: Pakistan Fans Urge Players

Tensions Rise as Pakistan Fans Express Frustration Over India’s Decision to Play Matches in Dubai

February 15, 2025: The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is set to kick off next week, with the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash scheduled for February 23 in Dubai. However, the controversy surrounding the tournament’s hosting continues to create tension, with Pakistan fans sending a stern message to their national players ahead of the match.

Also Read: India’s Road to ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Strengths, Weaknesses & Key Challenges

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📌 The Hosting Controversy

Originally, Pakistan was supposed to host the entire tournament, but the BCCI refused to send the Indian team to Pakistan due to security concerns. After multiple discussions, the ICC adopted a hybrid model, where Pakistan hosts most matches, while India’s matches are played in Dubai.

Also Read: Champions Trophy: India Squad Departs for Dubai

This decision has not gone down well with Pakistan cricket fans, who had hoped to witness a historic India vs Pakistan match on their home soil.

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📢 Pakistan Fans Urge Players to Avoid Friendship with Indians

📌 Pakistan journalist Farid Khan shared a video showing a frustrated Pakistan cricket fan urging the players not to hug Virat Kohli or any Indian players before or during the match.
📌 The fan asked Mohammad Rizwan and his teammates to keep their friendships aside and focus solely on winning against India.
📌 This message comes after previous ICC tournaments where Pakistan and Indian players have been seen exchanging warm gestures on the field.

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🏆 Head-to-Head in Champions Trophy

Also Read: Mark Butcher Raises Concerns Over England’s 50-Over Experience Ahead Of Champions Trophy

Unlike the T20 World Cup and ODI World Cup, where India holds an upper hand over Pakistan, the Men in Green lead 3-2 in Champions Trophy encounters.
📍 The most memorable victory for Pakistan came in 2017, when they stunned India in the final to lift their maiden Champions Trophy.

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed recalled how the defeat to India in the group stage motivated them:
“We had a great team meeting after the first loss, and some senior players like Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez spoke up. That changed our mindset completely,” Sarfaraz told the ICC.

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⚡ The Rivalry Heats Up

With both teams set to clash in Dubai on February 23, all eyes will be on:
✔ How India tackles Pakistan’s fiery pace attack
✔ Whether Pakistan can repeat their 2017 Champions Trophy heroics
✔ The on-field interactions between players amid rising tensions

Will the India-Pakistan camaraderie take a backseat this time? Only time will tell.

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