“We will welcome them”: Mohammad Rizwan’s request for Indian team wins hearts

The newly-appointed Pakistan captain in the white-ball formats stated that they will welcome the Indian team to their country for the 2025 Champions Trophy tournament

Amid the Champions Trophy chaos between the PCB and BCCI, Pakistan’s newly-appointed white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan sent a heartwarming message to the Indian team and urged them to tour the country for the upcoming ICC tournament which is scheduled to be played next February.

Rizwan made the request to Indian players while addressing the media in Brisbane on Wednesday ahead of the start of Pakistan’s 3-match T20I series against Australia.

“KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav are all welcome. All the players who will come, we will welcome them. This is not our decision, this is PCB’s decision. Whatever decision will take place, hopefully they will all discuss and take the right call. But we are hopeful that if the Indian players will come, we will welcome them,” Rizwan said.

Earlier this week, ICC informed PCB that the BCCI will not let Team India travel to Pakistan in order to participate in the Champions Trophy. PCB then consulted the Pakistan government in a bid to take firm action against India’s stance, with reports hinting that they might even withdraw from the tournament as well.

Various reports have also suggested that the ICC may shift the tournament entirely to South Africa if the PCB do not agree to hold it in hybrid mode. With new developments regarding the tournament coming out almost every day, it is safe to say that the future of the 2025 Champions Trophy hangs in the balance.