The fallout from the standoff between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the Champions Trophy 2025 appears to have reached South Africa where Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav had to answer fans’ questions about it. The International Cricket Council (ICC) had earlier informed the PCB that India would not travel to Pakistan to play in the 2025 Champions Trophy and it has since even been reported that Pakistan may withdraw from the tournament altogether.

Suryakumar is in South Africa, leading India in their four-match T20 series against South Africa. In a video shared on Instagram, Suryakumar can be seen posing with a few fans. Before the video ends, a fan can be heard asking: Mujhe ek baat bata saktein hai ke Pakistan kyu nahi aa rahe aap (Tell me why don’t you come to Pakistan)?

Suryakumar can be heard responding that the decision is not in the hands of the players. “Arrey bhaiya, hamare hath mein thodi hai (Brother, it is not in our hands),” he said. Suryakumar’s teammate Rinku Singh is also seen behind him. The Indian T20 team reached Centurion on Monday for the third T20I of the series tied 1-1. India had won the first match in Durban by 61 runs and then lost the second match in Gqeberha by three wickets. The defeat marked the end of India’s winning streak in the 11 format.

The standoff for the Champions Trophy

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has already said that Pakistan will not accept the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy. Had the hybrid model been accepted, India would have played their matches at a neutral venue.

However, a report from Dawn.com states that the Pakistan government is considering asking the PCB to withdraw from the Champions Trophy. “In such a case, one of the options being considered by the government is to ask the PCB to ensure that Pakistan does not participate in the Champions Trophy,” Dawn quoted a source as saying. The report also adds that the federal government of Pakistan is looking into the matter very “seriously”.