Pakistan pacer suggests ICC should add another team if India bows out of 2025 Champions Trophy

In a fiery reaction to India’s refusal to participate in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be hosted by Pakistan, left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir has strongly criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), calling their decision a major setback for international cricket.

India’s withdrawal is rooted in ongoing government restrictions imposed since 2008, with the BCCI formally notifying the International Cricket Council (ICC) of its decision.

Speaking candidly on his YouTube channel, Amir questioned the fairness of India’s stance, especially considering Pakistan’s past willingness to travel to India for international tournaments. The 31-year-old pacer further pointed out that India’s refusal undermines Pakistan’s extensive efforts to prepare for the prestigious event, particularly highlighting the significant investments being made to upgrade stadium infrastructure ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025.

“This is the loss of cricket, and this shouldn’t have happened. You can’t make other teams suffer because of one team. It would be better to keep India out of the tournament and add another team in their place. It is kiddish to refuse to play in Pakistan when other teams are ready to compete here,” Amir said.

Reflecting on the growing sentiment within Pakistan, Amir said that the nation’s preparations for the Champions Trophy are a symbol of its commitment to the sport and its aspirations to showcase Pakistan as a modern, cricket-loving nation. However, he warned that India’s refusal could negatively affect Pakistan's efforts, further harming the spirit of the game.

Amir also hinted that Pakistan might not remain passive in this situation. With significant investments in infrastructure, he expressed confidence that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, would not allow the country to suffer due to India’s absence.

“There should be a rule in place where ICC has the authority to take strict action against a member board of their government who interferes in cricketing matters. Otherwise, every other team will say they will not travel here and there. It seems the PCB is not going to fall in line this time as Mohsin Naqvi is the country’s interior minister, and he is not going to let Pakistan suffer after spending millions on the upgrades of the stadiums," he said.

There is growing speculation that Pakistan could take a bold step if the ICC were to strip it of the hosting rights due to India's refusal. Reports suggest that the Pakistani government may instruct the PCB to sever all cricketing ties with India in ICC and Asian events until political tensions between the two nations are resolved.