'Virat Kohli wants to come to Pakistan', Shoaib Akhtar gave a big statement on ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Champions Trophy: Pakistan is hosting the Champions Trophy 2025, but BCCI has clearly refused to send the Indian team to Pakistan. The Indian Cricket Board has not given permission to go to Pakistan citing security reasons. After this, questions are being raised regarding hosting the tournament in Pakistan.

BCCI has suggested a hybrid model, which means that the Indian team plays its matches in some other country instead of Pakistan, while the other teams play their matches in Pakistan. If Pakistan is unable to host the Champions Trophy, then South Africa may get this responsibility. However, different statements are continuously coming from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on this issue.

Shoaib Akhtar gave statement regarding Virat Kohli

The statement of former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has also become a topic of discussion in this matter. While talking to NDTV Sports, he said that talks must be taking place behind the scenes between India and Pakistan. He said that 95-98 percent of ICC's sponsorship comes from India, so there is hope that some solution will be found.

Government's decision is most important

Akhtar also said that the government's decision in this matter is most important, BCCI has nothing else to do. He also said that Virat Kohli wants to come to Pakistan and Pakistan also wants to see Kohli playing in their country. Giving an example, Akhtar said that if Kohli scores a century in Pakistan, it will be a special moment for his career. He believes that Pakistan has got the tag that it cannot host big tournaments, but if Pakistan hosts the Champions Trophy, it will open the way for hosting big events in future. However, he admits that it is difficult for this to happen, but hope should be maintained.

Indian team can go to Pakistan after 16 years

The Champions Trophy is likely to start from 19 February 2025, and the final will be played on 9 March. Pakistan hosted the ODI World Cup in 1996, and has not hosted any ICC tournament since. In 2011, Pakistan was made the co-host of the ODI World Cup. After the terrorist attack on Sri Lankan cricket team in 2008, the Indian team was not sent to Pakistan due to security reasons.