Kapil Dev's Strong Stance on India's Champions Trophy Stand: 'Government's Responsibility, Our Opinions...'

Last year, a similar situation occurred when India declined to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup. As a result, the Asian Cricket Council had to implement a hybrid model for the tournament, with most matches taking place in Sri Lanka, including the highly anticipated final.

Former India captain and legendary all-rounder Kapil emphasised the role of the government in such decisions.

"It's the government's responsibility. People like us should not give opinions, our opinions don't matter. Kapil Dev can't be bigger than anyone else," said Kapil Dev.

PCB has already submitted a draft schedule for the mega ICC event, which is scheduled to begin on February 19 and conclude on March 9. Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi have been earmarked as the venues.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan cricket fraternity has reacted strongly to India's decision and said that if the ICC decides to adopt the hybrid model or shift the tournament out of their country then Mohammad Rizwan and Co should not participate in the tournament.

Earlier, the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Saturday announced a global Trophy Tour ahead of the Men's Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to be hosted by Pakistan.

The announcement came after the ICC cancelled the trophy tour in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir cities

Notably, the BCCI has strongly objected to the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) plan to hold the Champions Trophy tour in disputed areas of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), specifically Skardu, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad.

Following the Trophy Tour in Pakistan, it will tour Afghanistan (November 26-28), followed by Bangladesh (December 10-13), South Africa (December 15-22), Australia (December 25-January 5), New Zealand (January 6-11), England (January 12-14) and India (January 15-26).