Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has made a public statement ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He said that Virat Kohli and Team India are dying to play in Pakistan but their government is not allowing them.
Indian national cricket team will not travel to Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The dream of Pakistani fans to see Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and other Indian stars play in Pakistan remains a dream as the Indian government ‘does not agree to send a team to Pakistan due to security reasons.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has gone all out to bring India to their home country for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has gone all out to bring the Indian national cricket team to their country. But it didn’t work because despite their strong efforts, BCCI did not agree to the tour and hence the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is expected to be played in a hybrid model.
ICC, PCB and BCCI attended the meeting recently. It has been learned that the host nation has agreed to play the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in the hybrid model, but they have put two conditions to accept it. They want a bigger share of the ICC’s revenue and also want all events scheduled in India till 2031 to be held in a hybrid model.
BCCI rejects PCB’s demands to adopt hybrid model
Recent reports of the Pakistan Cricket Board requesting the BCCI and ICC to adopt the hybrid model have been rejected by the Indian authorities.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) will soon announce the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 schedule. The race will most likely be held in a hybrid model. According to it, all India’s matches along with one semi-final and final will be played in United Arab Emirates (UAE) and remaining matches will be played in Pakistan.
Virat Kohli likely to play for Pakistan – Shoaib Akhtar
Talking about India not touring Pakistan, Shoaib Akhtar claimed that Virat Kohli along with BCCI want to play in Pakistan more than ever. He said that if BCCI plays in their country, then their TV rights sponsorship will go through the roof. Speaking on a television channel, he explained:
“India would die more than Pakistan to play in Pakistan. Virat Kohli might die in Pakistan. I know what’s happening. If India and Pakistan land, the TV rights sponsorship will go through the roof. Let me tell you. you are not coming for the sake of the government.”
Indian team including big names in Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma playing in Pakistan would be a big boost for Pakistan national cricket team. Kohli, Rohit, Bumrah and others have played in all corners of the world, but they have not played in Pakistan. It remains to be seen whether they will play in the country or not.
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