By TN Media News | London, UK: As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 draws near, British-Pakistani London Mayor Sadiq Khan has voiced his excitement for the tournament and expressed a strong desire to see England face Pakistan in the final.
Personal Rule for Supporting Teams
In an interview with Geo News, Khan shared his humorous yet diplomatic approach to choosing sides. “I have a rule: I always support the winner. I don’t lose that way,” he said, smiling. However, he made clear his hopes for both England and Pakistan to make it to the final, underlining his personal connection to the two cricketing nations.
The tournament, which starts on February 19, marks Pakistan’s long-awaited return as a host nation for a major ICC event after nearly 30 years. The opening match will see Pakistan take on New Zealand in Karachi, while the much-anticipated Pakistan-India clash is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.
Cricket and Light-Hearted Commitment
Known for his passion for cricket, Khan even joked about joining the squads himself. “If you are the selector of either Pakistan or England, I am available. I can take time off and play,” he said, showing his sporting spirit.
He also spoke about Pakistani captain Babar Azam, hoping for a return to form. “Pakistan’s team has not been great recently. I hope Babar Azam comes back in good form,” he remarked, while acknowledging Australia and South Africa as other strong contenders.
Importance of International Cricket in Pakistan:
Khan emphasized the significance of Pakistan hosting the Champions Trophy. “It’s unfortunate that international teams have not been visiting Pakistan for many years. I hope it’s a successful ICC tournament,” he stated. “If the home team does well, it’s a good tournament. Maybe a Pakistan-England final.”
British Asian Trust Dinner and Cultural Exchange:
Khan’s remarks came after his participation in a British Asian Trust (BAT) charity dinner, which raised funds for education and health projects across South Asia. There, he met Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan and discussed strengthening film industry ties between London, Pakistan, and India.
“Bachchans are a lovely family. I have met his father, and his mother is a great actress,” said Khan. “London is the capital of culture. We had a great time at the BAT dinner.”
A Vision for Unity and Sportsmanship:
As the cricketing world prepares for the Champions Trophy 2025, Sadiq Khan’s enthusiasm reflects the unifying power of sport and culture. His balanced admiration for both England and Pakistan exemplifies the spirit of international harmony that major tournaments strive to promote.
