The BCCI has decided against sending its team to Pakistan for the ICC tournament.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) finds itself in a tough spot after India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 and the host nation's reluctance to adopt a hybrid model.
The tournament is currently in limbo after the BCCI officially intimated ICC about Indian cricket team’s inability to travel to Pakistan.
Subsequently, the PCB has written to the ICC, asking the apex cricketing body about the reasons behind India's unwillingness to travel across the border for the marquee event.
Amid the deadlock, former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has shared his perspective on the issue, citing that the fate of the Champions Trophy taking place in Pakistan hinges on political decisions.
Akhtar hoped for back-channel talks as he highlighted the potential financial losses for Pakistan if India don’t participate in the competition.
"It's really up to the governments. It's nothing to do with the BCCI. It is up to the BJP government. They will decide," Akhtar said while speaking on PTV Sports.
"There will be back channel talks. Even in days of war, there were back channel talks. We should not lose hope. We have to look forward to a solution. We know a fact that 95-98 per cent of sponsorship for ICC comes from India.
"If Pakistan fails to convince India to come to Pakistan, then two things will happen: Pakistan will lose about 100 million dollars of the sponsorship that will go to ICC and the host country will earn. Second, it would be better if India comes and plays in Pakistan. But it's really, really up to the government. It has nothing to do with BCCI,” he added.
Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup last year but India played all of their matches in Sri Lanka under the 'Hybrid Model'. However, Shoaib Akhtar remained optimistic, suggesting India might eventually agree to play.
"Virat Kohli is trying to play in Pakistan for the first time. Entire Pakistan wants to see Virat play in Pakistan. Imagine him scoring a century in Pakistan. It will be good; he doesn't score a century here and gets out early. It will be a full circle for him,” Akhtar said.
"Pakistan has got a tag that it cannot host big tournaments like the World Cup or Champions Trophy. If this (Champions Trophy) happens, it will be a stepping stone for bigger events. I don't think this will happen. Keeping the fingers crossed. Wait till the last moment. I think currently, as of now, India is coming to Pakistan," he further remarked.