NEW DELHI: Will the Champions Trophy be held in Pakistan? Will it be played under a hybrid model? Or will the tournament be entirely shifted out of Pakistan? The uncertainty surrounding the host venue for the 2025 Champions Trophy continues to dominate discussions in world cricket.
The controversy began when the BCCI informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the Indian cricket team would not travel to Pakistan, the designated host for the tournament.
In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took a firm stance, rejecting the idea of a hybrid model.
Now, former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has weighed in on the issue, sharing his perspective in a recent interview.
"It's really up to the governments. It's nothing to do with the BCCI. It is up to the BJP government. They will decide," Shoaib Akhtar said.
"There will be back channel talks. Even in days of war, there are back channel talks. We should not lose hope. We have to look forward to a solution. We know a fact that 95-98 per cent of sponsorship for ICC comes from India.
"If Pakistan fails to convince India to come to Pakistan, then two things will happen: Pakistan will lose about 100 million dollars of the sponsorship that will go to ICC and the host country will earn. Second, it would be better if India comes and plays in Pakistan. But it's really, really up to the government. It has nothing to do with BCCI.
"Virat Kohli is trying to play in Pakistan for the first time. Entire Pakistan wants to see Virat play in Pakistan. Imagine him scoring a century in Pakistan. It will be good; he doesn't score a century here and gets out early. It will be a full circle for him.
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"Pakistan has got a tag that it cannot host big tournaments like the World Cup or Champions Trophy. 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," Akhtar said.
