Australian all-rounder claims that the rivalry between India and Pakistan in cricket has unmatched attraction.
India’s decision to skip the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan has disappointed former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson, who called it “unfortunate” for Pakistani cricket fans.
Watson emphasized the significance of the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry and its unmatched energy at international events while speaking during the ICC Champions Trophy Tour.
“It is regrettable that things transpired in that manner. However, there’s no denying that watching the India-Pakistan match is what everyone enjoys,” Watson added.
“It’s a truly unique moment whenever they get together, whether it’s during ICC events, because we can feel the stakes. From the standpoint of Australian cricket, we are aware of the intensity of our rivalry with England. The rivalry between India and Pakistan is equally intense. Nobody who enjoys cricket wants to miss that match. Therefore, it is regrettable that India will not be visiting Pakistan for this Champions Trophy,” he continued. The 43-year-old called the tournament a historic occasion for Pakistan and expressed optimism for the country’s cricket supporters.
“It’s going to be huge for the Pakistan cricket fans to have the opportunity to watch world-class cricket in the country,” he stated.
Watson reminisced about his own time playing in Pakistan during the 2019 Pakistan Super League (PSL) and recalled the fervent Pakistani supporters.
“I got a small opportunity to play in the Pakistan Super League in 2019, the first time after playing there in 2005. It was among the high points of my professional life. After a long absence, it was amazing to visit Pakistan and witness their passion and delight for cricket. “They were denied access to top-tier live cricket,” he claimed.
The right-handed batter played for Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United in six PSL seasons.
He amassed 1,361 runs at a strike rate of 138.59 in 46 PSL games, including nine fifties.
On December 24, 2024, the International Cricket Council (ICC) revealed the much awaited schedule for the men’s Champions Trophy 2025, of which Pakistan will serve as host. The competition, which will feature 15 matches and eight teams, will take place in three locations—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi in Pakistan, as well as Dubai—between February 19 and March 9.
Two groups are formed from the eight competing teams.
Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia make up Group B, while Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh make up Group A.
The curtain-raiser, which takes place in Karachi on February 19, will pit hosts Pakistan against New Zealand. The much awaited match between bitter rivals India and Pakistan is set for February 23 in Dubai.
Ten games will be held at Pakistan’s home stadiums, and four games—including all three of India’s group-stage matches and the opening semifinal—will take place in Dubai.
The tournament’s final is slated to take place in Lahore, but if India advances, it will also be staged in Dubai.
