Champions Trophy 2025: 'India is coming to Pakistan,' believes former Pak pacer Shoaib Akhtar
Champions Trophy 2025: ICC approves hybrid model after long saga, India to play in Dubai
Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar believes that India are coming to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The statement is in contrast with Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) official stance, according to which the board has asked the tournament to be played under hybrid model.
"Pakistan has got a tag that it cannot host big tournaments like World Cup. If this (Champions Trophy) happens it will be a stepping stone for bigger events. I don't think this will happen. Keeping the fingers crossed. Wait till the last moment. I think currently, as of now, India is coming to Pakistan," said Akhtar in a conversation with a local channel as quoted by news outlet NDTV.
Akhtar also said that there will be back channel talks and the hope for a solution shouldn't be lost.
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"There will be back channel talks. Even in days of war there is back channel talks. We should not lose hope. We have to look forward to a solution. We know a fact that 95-96 per cent of sponsorship for ICC comes from India (sic)," Akhtar said.
"It's really up to the governments. It's nothing to do with the BCCI. Virat Kohli is trying to play in Pakistan for the first time. Pakistan wants to see Virat play in Pakistan. Imagine him scoring a century in Pakistan. It will be a full circle for him," he added.
The Indian board has asked for a hybrid model, suggesting the UAE as the alternative option for India's matches but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has refused it categorically.
Both countries do not play bilateral cricket due to political tensions. The two sides have only met in ICC events since 2012.
India had decided not to play in Pakistan during the Asia Cup 2023 last year as well and the tournament was played under a hybrid model with India's games being scheduled in Sri Lanka.
Pakistan, however, travelled to India for the ODI World Cup 2023 immediately after the ODI WC and hoped for India to return the favour.
The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be played from February 19 to March 9 across three venues in Pakistan: Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore.
