Shoaib Akhtar hopes that Virat Kohli may be the first to play in Pakistan when the ICC Champions Trophy takes place in 2025. The event is scheduled to take place in Pakistan, and this occasion may mark a turning point between India and Pakistan due to the sour cricketing ties. Akhtar says that such a moment would bring much excitement. He says one would see Kohli scoring a century in Pakistan, an occasion that would enthral fans in both countries.
The current political and security challenges have complicated India’s participation in Pakistan-hosted tournaments. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has insisted that any decision to send the Indian team would depend on the government’s approval. Previous discussions had also talked about a hybrid model with Indian matches played in the UAE, but Pakistan opposed the idea, emphasizing its willingness to host the full tournament on its soil.
In this regard, cricket authorities, as well as governments, should engage through diplomatic channels to resolve such disputes, says Akhtar. “Hosting Champions Trophy will really boost Pakistan’s credibility as the destination for big-time cricket tournaments,” he says. His words reflect a larger sentiment in the cricket fraternity and former players who wish to see the sport transcend political boundaries.
According to BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, Kohli and other seniors of the team are likely to take part in the tournament, which means India wants to put its best team on the ground. The excitement of watching Kohli at the crease of Pakistan has made this tournament much more crucial.