“I don’t think it’s safe”: Harbhajan Singh on whether India should travel to Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy

The former Indian spinner believes that the security situation in Pakistan is still volatile and thus thinks that the Indian team shouldn't go there for the ICC tournament

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh said that Team India should not travel across the border to Pakistan for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy as the security situation in the neighbouring country is still volatile. The veteran bowler also backed BCCI’s decision to seek the government’s approval for the visit before confirming their participation in the tournament.

“Why should the Indian team go to Pakistan? There is a safety concern in Pakistan. The situation in Pakistan is such that incidents occur almost every day. I don’t think it’s safe (for the team) to go there. The stance of the BCCI is absolutely correct and nothing is more important than the safety of our players. I support BCCI’s stand,” Harbhajan told IANS.

In their proposal for the ICC event, the PCB maintained that it would ensure that India’s all matches will be hosted in Lahore and the Indian team would stay in the same hotel throughout the tournament. 

The Indian team had refused to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup last year, which led to India’s matches being held in Sri Lanka. There is a possibility that the Champions Trophy may be held in hybrid mode if India declines travelling to Pakistan to participate in the ICC tournament.