"We will definitely go and play there": Kuldeep Yadav excited to play 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan

Indian cricketer Kuldeep Yadav has expressed his enthusiasm about the prospect of playing in Pakistan during the 2025 Champions Trophy.

The prestigious tournament is scheduled for February-March 2025, with matches to be held across three cities in Pakistan: Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.

While the Indian team's participation in Pakistan is yet to be confirmed, Yadav has expressed his eagerness to be part of the event.

"As cricketers, we will play wherever we are sent. I have never been to Pakistan before, so I am excited. The Pakistani people are great, and whenever we get the chance, we will definitely go and play there," Yadav said at an event in Australia. 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) awarded the hosting rights of the 2025 Champions Trophy to Pakistan. This ninth edition of the tournament will feature eight teams, selected based on their performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India.

The tournament will see Group A comprising India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B will include Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan.

India has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, and Pakistan's last visit to India was for a bilateral series in 2012-13. The two teams have refrained from engaging in bilateral series due to ongoing political tensions. 

The most recent Champions Trophy, held in 2017, saw Pakistan secure their first title by defeating India in the final.