Legendary pacer Wasim Akram is optimistic that Team India will travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, stressing on the fact how crucial it is for his homeland to host the marquee event.
The eight-team tournament is tentatively set to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9 next year. Apart from the host nation, India, Australia, England, South Africa, Bangladesh, New Zealand and Afghanistan are expected to participate in the competition.
But amid the political hostility between the two neighbouring countries, India's participation in the tournament remains uncertain as of now.
“I hope that India comes to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. The whole country is looking forward to receiving all the teams. The cricket will be great and we will welcome them in splendid fashion. We have great facilities and are working on new stadiums. The chairman has started work on the new stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad so I believe it will be a great tournament and Pakistan needs that tournament for the betterment of cricket and I hope all countries do come because cricket and politics should always be separate,” Akram told IANS.
India haven't played Pakistan in bilateral cricket since a home limited-overs series in 2012, with their last meeting in Tests dating back to 2007. In this period, they've only clashed in multi-nation tournaments such as the World Cup and the Asia Cup.
As far as India’s last visit to Pakistan is concerned, it was way back in 2008 for the Asia Cup. According to reports, the Indian team may not to travel to their neighbouring country which could see the tournament being played in a hybrid model.
"Overall everything is ready. The whole country is looking forward to receiving all the teams and dignitaries and the press as well and I hope you guys come to see what wonderful arrangements we have in Pakistan," Akram added.
The 2023 edition of Asia Cup, which was supposed take place in Pakistan entirely, was played in a hybrid model because of BCCI’s refusal to send its team there. India had played all their matches in Sri Lanka and went on to win the continental tournament as well.
However, the Pakistan cricket team travelled to India for the ODI World Cup last year.
The BCCI has always maintained that the Indian team will tour Pakistan only if allowed by the central government.
(With IANS Inputs)
