Pakistan cricket legend Shoaib Akhtar has made a bold claim, suggesting that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is eager to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. However, he alleges that the Indian government is blocking the move. Shoaib Akhtar further added that Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli is “dying” to play in Pakistan
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan, faces uncertainty after the BCCI informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) of its unwillingness to allow the Indian team to travel to Pakistan. The ICC recently convened a meeting to discuss potential solutions after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) rejected a proposed hybrid model. Under the model, India’s matches would take place at a neutral venue, while other games would be hosted in Pakistan.
Speaking on a show, Shoaib Akhtar stated
“India is dying more than Pakistan to play in Pakistan. Virat Kohli is probably dying to play in Pakistan. Landing India vs Pakistan matches will take their TV rights off the roof. The reason sponsorship isn’t coming is because India isn’t coming, and their government isn’t allowing it.”
Akhtar expressed confidence that India would visit Pakistan for a full series within the next one or two years. He said, “BCCI, Jay Shah want it (to send the Indian team to Pakistan). But the current situation is not ideal. Backdoor diplomacy continues, but our relationship isn’t there yet. Once it’s there, they will come.”
Akhtar dismissed the possibility of hosting the Champions Trophy without India’s participation, stating:
“Can you do Champions Trophy without India? Logically, practically, financially? You can’t.
”Meanwhile, Jay Shah, the newly appointed ICC Chairman, has reportedly called for a meeting on December 5, his first since taking charge of the global cricketing body. The meeting is expected to address key issues, including the future of the 2025 Champions Trophy.
As cricket fans await further developments, the potential India-Pakistan clash remains a key talking point, with significant implications for the sport and its global appeal.
