Pakistan should not visit India in retaliation to BCCI's stance, suggests Pak great Zaheer Abbas

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Pakistan should boycott future tours to India in retaliation for the BCCI's refusal to send its team to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, cricketing legend Zaheer Abbas said.

Speaking at the Cricket Predicta Conclave in Ajman, UAE, former Pakistan captain Abbas expressed his frustration over the BCCI's stance, urging the PCB to take a retaliatory stand against India.

"If India don't come to Pakistan, that's no good for cricket. And maybe sometimes Pakistan can also refuse to go to India," Abbas said at the event. He further stressed that without regular matches between the two cross-border rivals, cricket loses its essence. "Cricket without Pakistan and India not playing together, it's not complete," he added.

The comments come after the BCCI reportedly declined the PCB's proposal to host India's matches of the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan. The BCCI has instead suggested a hybrid model, where India's matches would be held on neutral grounds like the UAE or Sri Lanka, citing security concerns in Pakistan.

The ICC Champions Trophy is set to be held from February 19 to March 9, 2025, with the PCB proposing matches in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi. However, India's refusal to travel to Pakistan has put the tournament's arrangements in jeopardy.

Abbas also spoke about the importance of India-Pakistan cricket matches, not just for the sport but for fostering unity. "I would love to see cricket played between two countries almost every day because it will generate some money, it will bring the people together," the 'Asian Bradman' said.

Despite advocating for a tough stance, Abbas was quick to acknowledge his fondness for India. "I love going to India, no doubt about it. They love cricket, they appreciate cricket, and where the cricket has been appreciated we would always love to go," he said, adding that India also remains a place of relaxation for him.

Zaheer Abbas, considered one of the best cricketers to come out of South Asia, named his cross-border counterparts Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar as his favourite Indian batters. When asked to name his favourite Indian spinner, he picked BS Chandrashekhar, Bishan Singh Bedi, and Erapalli Prasanna.