Sourav Ganguly expressed disappointment for Indian players missing the chance to play in Pakistan during the Champions Trophy 2025, emphasizing the absence of undue advantage in playing in Dubai. He praised India’s potential in the final against New Zealand, while also calling for better performance in red-ball cricket. Ganguly’s comments highlight ongoing political factors affecting Indo-Pak cricket relations.
Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly expressed regret that players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shreyas Iyer are missing the opportunity to play in Pakistan due to security concerns. His remarks came during discussions regarding India playing all their matches in Dubai for the 2025 Champions Trophy, despite Pakistan being the official host. Ganguly emphasized that this was not an undue advantage, but rather a necessity given the situation.
During his comments at the Revsportz conclave in Kolkata, Ganguly questioned the ability to play in Pakistan, stating, “What’s the choice?” He clarified that the Indian cricket team’s decision was influenced by government restrictions preventing their travel to Pakistan. The political instability between India and Pakistan has led to a lack of bilateral series since 2012, and as such, many current players have yet to experience playing in Pakistan.
Ganguly noted the missed opportunities that modern players have in batting on traditional Pakistani pitches, where higher scores are frequently seen. He stated, “I am sure that the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer will feel sad that they can’t bat on those pitches in Karachi and Lahore where the opposition are scoring 350 runs.”
Comparing scores, the highest total recorded in Dubai was India’s 267/6 against Australia, contrasted with Pakistan, where three scores exceeded 350 runs, including New Zealand’s unprecedented 362/6 against South Africa. Ganguly also reflected on his tenure as BCCI president during the selection of Pakistan as the host nation for the Champions Trophy in 2020, highlighting the progression of World Cup allocations through 2031.
As India prepared for their final match against New Zealand, Ganguly assessed their strengths, recognizing New Zealand as formidable opponents due to their batting and spin bowling. He remarked, “New Zealand are probably the toughest opposition for India at the moment. But I think India’s batting is stronger. We also have formidable spinners. India are the favourites.”
In addition, he commended India’s consistent success in white-ball cricket, having reached the finals of three ICC events recently. However, he pointed out the necessity for improvement in red-ball cricket, emphasizing that it remains an area for Rohit Sharma’s team to address.
In conclusion, Sourav Ganguly highlighted the missed opportunities for Indian cricketers due to their inability to play in Pakistan, reinforcing that the decision to hold matches in Dubai was driven by necessity rather than advantage. As India prepares for the final against New Zealand, he acknowledges their strengths while calling for improvements in red-ball cricket. Ganguly’s insights reflect a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding cricketing logistics between India and Pakistan.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
