Dhawan on Pakistan: ‘No Cricket Till Terrorism Ends,’ Says Champions Trophy Hero

Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has strongly supported India’s decision to avoid traveling to Pakistan, asserting that national security should always take priority over cricket. When asked about India’s participation in Pakistan, Dhawan was firm in his stance. “No, I don’t think so. Cricket should never come before our country’s position. Until terrorism ends, there should be no cricket in Pakistan,” he told ANI in an exclusive interview.

While political and administrative tensions have long affected India-Pakistan cricket relations, Dhawan, the ‘Player of the Tournament’ in the 2013 Champions Trophy, highlighted that such decisions are made at the highest levels and remain beyond players’ control.

Dhawan Backs India’s Stand: “No Cricket in Pakistan Until Terrorism Ends”

“First, the governments need to align. Then the cricket boards make their decisions, and finally, it reaches the players. Players don’t have much say in these matters. If our country has decided not to play in Pakistan, we fully support that stance,” Dhawan stated.

Pakistan has frequently voiced concerns over the BCCI’s growing influence in international cricket, claiming India’s financial strength gives it dominance in ICC decisions. However, Dhawan was unbothered by such remarks.

“Doesn’t matter, let it be,” he said, brushing off the concerns.

India has officially opted out of traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, choosing instead to play their matches at a neutral venue in the UAE. This decision aligns with India’s consistent policy of avoiding bilateral cricket with Pakistan outside of ICC tournaments.

Dhawan’s comments echo the prevailing sentiment within Indian cricket, emphasizing that national interests take precedence over sporting commitments.

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A versatile player across all formats, Dhawan excelled in ODIs. In 167 matches, the left-hander delivered dynamic performances, amassing 6,793 runs at an impressive average of 44.1, with 17 centuries and 39 fifties.

In Test cricket, where he built memorable partnerships with Murali Vijay, Dhawan accumulated 2,315 runs in 34 matches at an average of 40.6, including seven centuries and five half-centuries. His T20I career saw him play 68 games, scoring 1,759 runs at an average of 27.9, with 11 fifties.

In domestic cricket, Dhawan featured in 122 First-Class matches, amassing an impressive 8,499 runs at an average of 44.26, with 25 centuries and 29 fifties to his name. In List A cricket, he played 302 matches, accumulating a staggering 12,074 runs at an average of 43.90. His outstanding record is further highlighted by 30 centuries and 67 half-centuries.

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