DUBAI: The International Cricket Council’s chairman Greg Barclay has come out in support of Pakistan following India Sports Minister Anurag Thakur’s remarks, stating that the cricket governing body wouldn’t have awarded Pakistan the event had it not been capable of hosting it.
Pakistan has recently been awarded the hosting of ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The country last hosted any global ICC event back in 1996. Pakistan was due to host and co-host ICC Champions Trophy in 2008 and ICC World Cup 2011 respectively but could not do so due to growing terrorism at the time.
The awarding of hosting rights of Champions Trophy 2025 to Pakistan had sparked uncalled for criticism in India with the Indian Sports Minister saying on record that Indian government of the time would have to make a decision regarding the cash-rich country’s participation in the event.
However, Barclay is confident that all teams would travel to Pakistan for the event.
“I’m sure, as with all countries, they will put together appropriate security plans to deliver the event. We’re comfortable and confident it will go ahead.”
He acknowledged the geo-political challenges but said that this [event] could also serve as a platform to improve the bilateral relations of the two countries that have long remained sour.