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Pakistan are all set to host the Champions Trophy 2025. The last time India and Pakistan clashed was in CT 2017 finals where Pakistan emerged victorious and claimed the title, now after eight years Pakistan will look to defend its title at home in the ninth edition during February-March. However, the decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has still not confirmed whether it will be sending the Indian team to participate in the event or not.
Younis Khan’s request to Virat Kohli
Meanwhile, Younis Khan passionately appealed to Virat Kohli and the Indian team to visit Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy, emphasizing that it would be a significant milestone in Kohli’s career. Speaking to News 24, the Pakistan cricket icon expressed his belief that playing and performing in Pakistan would be a crucial experience for Kohli, potentially completing an important aspect of his cricketing journey.
“Virat Kohli should come to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, its our wish too. I think the only thing left in Kohli’s career is to tour Pakistan and perform here,”. Younis said.
Younis Khan said "India should play bilateral series in Pakistan. Both countries should keep playing against each other home and away. Pakistan players got a lot of love in Hyderabad during the World Cup, and Indian players are loved here too" 🇮🇳🇵🇰🔥🔥
[via News24 Sports] pic.twitter.com/MzuNqKHQT5
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) July 24, 2024
Also READ: Younis Khan recalls Pakistan team’s harrowing experience following the death of former coach Bob Woolmer
Bilateral relations between India and Pakistan in the past
The strained political relations between India and Pakistan have significantly impacted cricketing ties between the two nations. Bilateral series have been suspended since 2012-13, and India have not toured Pakistan since the Asia Cup 2008.
Last time India and Pakistan made an encounter was in a recent concluded T20 World Cup 2024 where India registered a thrilling win and Pakistan had to make an early exit from the tournament. Meanwhile, Kohli has magnificent record in the ICC Champions Trophy, Kohli has accumulated 529 runs in 13 matches, maintaining an extraordinary average of 88.16, with five fifties in 12 innings. His best score in this tournament is an unbeaten 96 against Bangladesh in semi final of the 2017 edition.
