The leader of the political party Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Tejashwi Yadav expressed disapproval of India’s absence from the Champions Trophy 2025. Arguing that political issues should not affect sports, and urging the Men in Blue to compete in the forthcoming ICC event in Pakistan. Yadav, who has played state-level cricket for Jharkhand and was also contracted by Delhi Capitals, then known as Delhi Daredevils said that “sports should be seen as sports.”
The controversy arose when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that the Indian government is not allowing the Indian national team to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. At the same time, all the other eight cricket boards announced their travel to Pakistan. BCCI suggested a hybrid model for the tournament, in which India would play all its matches at different venues, most probably in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, PCB stands firm in its decision not to accept the hybrid model and wants the entire tournament to take place in Pakistan.
“Involving politics into sports is not a good thing. Doesn’t everyone participate in the Olympics? Why shouldn’t India go there (Pakistan)? What is the objection? If the PM can go there to have Biryani – then it’s good, if the India team travels – why this is not good?” Yadav stated.
#WATCH | On reports that the Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav says, "Involving politics into sports is not a good thing. We should go, other teams should travel to India… Doesn't everyone participate in the… pic.twitter.com/0KxTB8XlfE
— ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2024
Pakistan is set to host the first ICC tournament since the 1996 ODI World Cup, the Champions Trophy is scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025.
Read more: Champions Trophy Decision: 3 Options On the Cards for ICC Amid PCB and BCCI Standoff
Jasir Basharat is a cricket enthusiast capturing the heart of the game through insightful analysis and storytelling sharing his passion for the sport through engaging narratives. He is a business graduate from University of Kashmir.
