Shane Watson calls it “Unfortunate” as India declined travelling to Pakistan for Champions Trophy

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson saw India’s decision to not travel to Pakistan, and has called it as “unfortunate”, but also stated that this ICC showpiece will let star players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to save themselves from a prolonged period of bad form.

The global governing body of the sport has decided to go with a Hybrid model for the 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy, with India going to play their matches at a neutral venue in Dubai.

“It’s unfortunate that things have worked out that way for sure. But there’s no doubt that what everyone loves seeing — the India-Pakistan games. Whenever they come together, whether it’s an ICC event, it is a really special time because we’ve got a sense of what’s on the line,” Watson told the media.

“It’s unfortunate that India aren’t travelling to Pakistan for this Champions Trophy. But, unfortunately, that’s just the way it is right now,” he added.

The Champions Trophy 2025 is going to begin in February and India’s matches will be played in Dubai. If India manages to qualify for semi-final and final, both the matches will be also held in Dubai, otherwise, the matches will be held in Pakistan itself.

India’s schedule for Champions Trophy 2025:
India vs Bangladesh: February 20 in Dubai
India vs Pakistan: February 23 in Dubai
India vs New Zealand: March 2 in Dubai
Semi-final (if qualified): March 4 in Dubai
Final (if qualified): March 9 in Dubai

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