Former Pakistani wicketkeeper-batsman, Moin Khan, has made an emotional appeal to the legendary cricketers of India. With the 2025 Champions Trophy scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is eager for India’s participation, but uncertainty looms as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to confirm Team India’s involvement. In response, Moin Khan is requesting Indian legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, and Kapil Dev to step in and mediate between the cricket boards to ensure that the tournament takes place smoothly without political interference.
Moin Khan’s Appeal to Keep Politics and Cricket Separate
In an interview with Pakistani media, Moin Khan voiced his thoughts, urging the Indian cricket legends to advise the BCCI to separate cricket from politics. “Sachin, Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, and Kapil Dev should intervene and help India and Pakistan maintain cricketing ties. It’s time to keep politics aside and let cricket unite the two nations. Fans across both countries are eager to watch these matches, and the entire cricketing world would benefit from it,” Moin said.
He stressed that sports, especially cricket, should be a neutral ground where rivalries are settled on the field, not in boardrooms. With millions of fans longing for an India-Pakistan clash in an ICC event, Moin’s plea stands as a reminder that cricket can be a powerful tool to bridge gaps between the two nations.
A Word of Caution to the BCCI
While Moin’s primary tone was one of plea and reconciliation, he did not shy away from issuing a subtle warning to the Indian cricket board. He reminded them of their commitments to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and hinted that if India chooses not to participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, the PCB might reconsider allowing Pakistani players to travel to India for future events.
“If India decides not to participate, it could have serious repercussions. The PCB may also be forced to take a tough stand and prevent Pakistani players from participating in Indian tournaments in the future,” Moin added.
Pakistan’s Preparations for the Champions Trophy in Full Swing
On the Pakistani side, preparations for the 2025 Champions Trophy are already in high gear. The PCB has allocated Rs 1,280 crore for the renovation and upgradation of stadiums across the country, ensuring world-class facilities for the event. Additionally, the ICC has provided a fund of 70 million dollars for the tournament. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is personally overseeing these developments to ensure Pakistan is fully prepared to host the prestigious event.
Controversy Around Moin Khan’s Son Azam Khan
Moin Khan’s statements also touched upon personal grievances regarding his son, Azam Khan. According to Moin, Azam was a top contender for the 2024 T20 World Cup squad but was unfairly dropped following Pakistan’s loss to the USA. He further accused former PCB Chairman Rameez Raja of playing a role in his son’s exclusion from the 2021 T20 World Cup, which Moin believes negatively impacted Azam’s morale and development as a player.
As the cricketing world waits for the BCCI’s decision on the 2025 Champions Trophy, Moin Khan’s appeal has added a personal and emotional layer to the ongoing conversation.
