Former Pakistani pacer and cricket legend Shoaib Akhtar has claimed that the Indian cricket team and Virat Kohli were eager to play in Pakistan, but their government was not allowing them to come to the country for Champions Trophy 2025.
Speaking to a digital media outlet, Akhtar said that Indians wanted to come and play in Pakistan more than Pakistanis themselves.
“They are dying to play in Pakistan… Virat Kohli might also be dying to play in Pakistan,” he said, adding that he had worked with the Board of Cricket Control India (BCCI), and knew that Indians in Pakistan would get the opportunity to earn a lot more in terms of TV rights and sponsorships.
To a question by former skipper Mohammad Hafeez regarding India’s hesitation, Akhtar said their government did not want the national team to travel across the border.
The Indian government and the BCCI have decided not to send the Indian cricket team for Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled to be held in Pakistan next year. Amid negotiations led by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Pakistan has also opposed a proposed hybrid model enabling India to play its matches at a neutral venue.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that nothing comes before the country’s “honour” and if India cannot play cricket in Pakistan, Greenshirts won’t go play any matches or tournaments across the border either.
Under PCB’s “new formula” for the upcoming tournament, both teams will play ICC event matches at neutral venues for three years.
With both countries at loggerheads, the ICC Board is likely to meet on the issue this evening (Thursday), for which PCB chief Naqvi has also reached Dubai.
According to reports, a major decision regarding the holding of the Champions Trophy is likely to be made in said meeting.
Meanwhile, a reception is being hosted in honour of India’s Jay Shah, who has assumed the post of ICC chief. A meeting with ICC broadcasters is also underway ahead of the board meeting.
The PCB chief maintains that he is sticking to his stance, and if the new formula is rejected, the PCB can take “strict action”. Pakistan is also reportedly considering legal options to resolve the dispute.