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‘If India Had Come To Pakistan...’: Fakhar Zaman Wins Hearts With A Promising Message

Bhargav Dixit

Fakhar Zaman hasn't played international cricket since ICC T20 World Cup 2024. [Source: @virendersehwag/X]Fakhar Zaman hasn't played international cricket since ICC T20 World Cup 2024. [Source: @virendersehwag/X]

Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman will miss playing cricket in India in the near future. With Pakistani cricketers not allowed to participate in the cash-rich Indian Premier League and bilateral ties between the two countries at an all-time low, ICC tournaments was the only opportunity for Pakistani cricketers to play in India.

However, that chance has also been snatched away from them by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India). Not allowing the Indian team to play their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Pakistan has forced the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) to boycott travelling to India for multi-team events.

“Yes, we will definitely miss [playing in India] as we enjoyed a lot during the 50-over World Cup [in 2023]. We were delighted with the kind of support and the hospitality we received. The locals gave us a warm welcome when we went to Hyderabad for the first time, they all showered their love on us,” Zaman told Sports Tak.

Speaking particularly of men’s cricket, Pakistan were scheduled to play ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India. However, with Sri Lanka as the co-hosts, Pakistan will play all their matches in the island nation unless the situation improves drastically between the two neighboring countries and their boards.

Fakhar Zaman Wins Hearts With Heartening Message For India

Adding on to the conversation, the 34-year-old player won the hearts of the Indian fans by highlighting how they would’ve taken utmost care of the Indian contingent had they agreed to cross the border.

“If India had come to Pakistan, we would’ve given them an even grander welcome and hospitality but they are not coming. It's fine, but we’re excited to play against them in Dubai,” Zaman added.

While Pakistani fans won’t get to see Indians cricketers playing in their country, matured voices like Zaman could end up playing a role in diminishing India-Pakistan differences.

Yet to play an ODI since ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, the left-handed batter is aiming a comeback to the format in the forthcoming ICC event. If truth be told, he has strong reasons to believe that his name will be announced in the Pakistani ODI squad.