NEW DELHI: Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has called India's decision to not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as "unfortunate" for cricket fans in Pakistan. Speaking as part of the ICC Champions Trophy Tour in Sydney, Watson emphasised the significance of the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry and the unique energy it brings to global cricket events.
"It's unfortunate that things worked out that way. But there's no doubt that what everyone loves is watching the India-Pakistan game," Watson said. "Whenever they come together, whether in ICC events, it's a really special time because we get a sense of what's on the line. From an Australian cricket perspective, we know how big the rivalry is between us and England. The India-Pakistan rivalry is just as huge. No cricket fan wants to miss that game. So, it's unfortunate that India aren't travelling to Pakistan for this Champions Trophy."
