India will visit Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025: Shoaib Akhtar

Former fast bowler believes back-channel negotiations will lead to solution

RAWALPINDI:

In a recent interview with a local TV channel, former fast bowler and renowned cricketer Shoaib Akhtar, also known as the "Rawalpindi Express," expressed his belief that back-channel negotiations between Pakistan and India will eventually lead to India’s participation in the Champions Trophy, despite the current uncertainties.

Akhtar emphasized the importance of not losing hope and waiting for a solution..

Akhtar pointed out the crucial role of India in the global cricket ecosystem, stating, "We all know that 95 to 96 percent of sponsorship in the International Cricket Council (ICC) comes from India, which is why the Indian board can exert pressure."

He added that the situation was not solely in the hands of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) but ultimately depended on the governments of both countries.

He also raised a hypothetical scenario, saying, "Imagine Virat Kohli playing in Pakistan and scoring a century.

While Pakistan cannot host major events like the World Cup, the Champions Trophy could be a significant step towards such larger tournaments. I still believe the Indian team will come to Pakistan."

The comments come amidst ongoing verbal disputes between the cricket boards of India and Pakistan over the logistics of the Champions Trophy.

Additionally, broadcasting companies have begun to put pressure on the ICC to announce the tournament schedule, citing financial losses caused by the delays.

ICC officials are also reportedly concerned about the lack of flexibility shown by both cricket boards.

If the Indian board continues to hold a rigid stance, it could result in substantial financial losses for the ICC.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has firmly rejected the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy, reiterating its position to the ICC.

Pakistan, the defending champions of the tournament, won the 2017 final by defeating India by 180 runs under the captaincy of Sarfaraz Ahmed.

In response to India’s refusal to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy set to take place next year, the PCB has begun seeking support from other cricket boards to ensure the event’s success.

According to PCB sources, Pakistan’s "master security plan," shared with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on October 10, has not faced objections from any International Cricket Council (ICC) members as of the October 21 board meeting.

The PCB asserts that with all parties agreeing to the plan, the BCCI has no “legal or ethical” basis to oppose the tournament based on security concerns.

Furthermore ICC faces strong backlash from Pakistani cricket fans and analysts, who accuse the global body of displaying an alleged bias against Pakistan as the host of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

The controversy erupted following an ICC press release about the tournament’s upcoming trophy tour, which omitted any reference to Pakistan's role as the host nation and made no mention of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) or local venues, Express News reported.

Fans and analysts criticised the release for deviating from ICC’s usual practice of acknowledging host countries and their contributions.

Many were surprised that the statement lacked references to the PCB, its officials, or specific Pakistani venues. The perceived slight has fuelled widespread disappointment and concern among Pakistan’s cricket community.

In a move adding to fan frustration, the ICC’s trophy tour schedule was reportedly altered without prior consultation with Pakistani officials.