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BCCI has refused to send Indian team to Pakistan for the next year’s Champions Trophy with ICC suggesting PCB to host the tournament in hybrid model.
Virat Kohli (left)and Shoaib Akhtar (PTI/AFP)
Pakistan legend Shoaib Akhtar has claimed that BCCI wants to send the Indian cricket team across the border for the next year’s Champions Trophy but their government is refusing to give permission. Akhtar went on to add that even India batting superstar Virat Kohli “is dying” to play in Pakistan.
Uncertainty looms over 2025 Champions Trophy’s slated to be held in Pakistan after BCCI told ICC that the Indian team won’t travel to the country for the marquee event.
The ICC recently held a board meeting to zero in on a solution after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) refused to accept Hybrid Model that would allow India to play their matches of the competition at a neutral venue.
“India is dying more than Pakistan to play in Pakistan,” Akhtar said on PTV Sports. “Virat Kohli is probably dying to play in Pakistan. Landing India vs Pakistan matche will take their TV rights off the roof. The reason sponsorship isn’t coming is because India are not coming (to Pakistan), their government isn’t letting them travel (to Pakistan).”
Akhtar then predicted that the Indian team will be in Pakistan in a year or two for a full series. “BCCI, Jay Shah want it (to send 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. I will predict that within a year or two, India will play a full series in Pakistan,” he said.
Akhtar also dismissed the possibility of Champions Trophy being held without India’s participation.
“Can you do Champions Trophy without India? Logically, practically, financially? You can’t,” he said.
Meanwhile, Shah, who recently took over as the new ICC chairman, has reportedly called for meeting on Thursday (December 5) which would be the first since he took charge of the global body.
