Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has made a confession of releasing 22 fishermen as he spoke to the reporters at the Dubai International Stadium ahead of the massive Champions Trophy 2025 clash against Team India on Sunday. Naqvi also remains hopeful of the Men in Green surprising the arch-rivals on Sunday.
As per media reports, Pakistan had released 22 Indian fishermen on February 22, Saturday from Karachi's Malir Jail. As per ANI, a fisherman in Karachi died in Karachi jail on January 23 and 180 of them are still awaiting release despite completing their requisite sentence. Furthermore, sources as per ANI claimed that India has been consistently raising the issue of early release of prisoners from Pakistan.
In a video surfaced on social media, Naqvi said:
"From our side, we have released 22 Indian fishermen today."
Pakistan in must-win territory ahead of facing India in Dubai
Meanwhile, Mohammad Rizwan and co. are already in a must-win situation ahead of their high-voltage clash against the arch-rivals in Dubai on Sunday. After crashing to a 60-run defeat in Karachi to New Zealand, the tournament hosts are at the bottom of the points table in Group A.
Hence, failing to beat India on Sunday will virtually knock them out of the eight-team tournament. The Men in Green, who are also the defending champions, will take some confidence from beating India in the previous edition's Champions Trophy final. They also hold a 3-2 head-to-head record against India in Champions Trophy history.
