Younis Khan Urges New ICC Chairman Jay Shah to Secure India's Tour of Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

New Delhi: Former Pakistan cricket captain Younis Khan is advocating for the new International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah to initiate a bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan. The last time India played in Pakistan was in 2008, where they suffered a defeat in the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka in Karachi. Khan believes that reviving cricketing ties between the two countries would be beneficial for the sport and help improve relations between them.

Reports over the past few months have suggested India’s travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 might be in doubt. However, there are many social media talks that the now-BCCI secretary Jay Shah becoming ICC Chairman might smoothen the doubt.

“The cricket should uplift with the appointment of Jay Shah as the ICC chief. Jay Shah needs to show the sportsman spirit, as with the good initiatives of the ICC chief, India can come to Pakistan to play cricket. In the same way, Pakistan can visit India.” said Former Pakistan Cricketer Younis Khan.

Previously, India and Pakistan played in a home bilateral series in 2012/13, while their last tour to Pakistan came in 2005/06. The two teams have only met in ICC events or Asia Cup matches since, with Pakistan visiting India during the ODI World Cup last year.

Younis Khan admitted the unpredictable nature of Pakistan’s first Test defeat to Bangladesh a few days ago in Rawalpindi. This took place after never losing a Test match to Bangladesh in 13 games, Pakistan suffered an embarrassing 1o-wicket defeat after a solid start.

Even after scoring 448/6 declared in the first innings, the hosts conceded 565 runs to Bangladesh through their bowling attack. Pakistan then endured a horrific batting collapse on Day 5 that bowled them out for 146, the target was set for only 30 runs and the Bangladesh side comfortably chased down with all 10 wickets intact.

“There is always a pressure to play cricket in home conditions. What is the benefit to the players if they cannot absorb the pressure? There is a dire need for the players to boost their morale. Everybody has seen that whether the pitch was fast or slow. We have clinched victories at that time when no international cricket was happening in the country,” said Younis Khan.

The Former Pakistan Cricketer also disagreed with Pakistan Cricket Board’s Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s recent statements on the lack of bench strength in Pakistan cricket.

“I’m not sure why the PCB chairman feels there’s no talent in domestic cricket. We have immense talent in our domestic circuit,” he said.

Pakistan will look to come back in the final and level terms in the second Test at the same venue, starting from 30th August.