LAHORE, Pakistan—Cricket fans gathered in Lahore on Wednesday for the final Champions Trophy semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa, with many expressing disappointment over India’s refusal to play matches in Pakistan.
The winner of the semi-final will advance to the tournament final in Dubai, where they will face India, which secured its spot after defeating Australia.
India opted not to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, citing strained political relations between the two neighbors. The two teams only face each other in multi-nation tournaments and have not played a bilateral series since 2012.
Pakistan fans arriving at Gaddafi Stadium voiced their disappointment that the final would not be played in their country, saying India should have participated in matches in Pakistan.
“There are no security concerns here,” one fan said. “India should be willing to play in Pakistan.”
Some fans also criticized Pakistan’s squad selection, blaming it for the team’s early exit from the tournament.
“I think Pakistan’s team selection this year was not as good as it should have been, which has disappointed many of us,” said Shahmsuddin, a fan attending the match. “Still, we have come to watch cricket today, as the match in Lahore is between New Zealand and South Africa, and we are here to enjoy it.”
ICC faces scrutiny over scheduling
The International Cricket Council (ICC), which has former Indian cricket board secretary Jay Shah as its chairman, has faced criticism for accommodating India’s decision to set up its base in Dubai rather than play in Pakistan.
While Pakistan successfully hosted Champions Trophy matches, fans and officials have expressed frustration that the final will not take place in the country. The tournament has reignited debates over cricketing ties between India and Pakistan, which remain heavily influenced by political tensions.
