Wasim Akram, Pakistani bowling legend, has urged the Indian team to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 and said that politics and cricket should be separate.

Due to political tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian squad has not traveled to neighboring countries since 2008. The BCCI was clear that they would only consider making the trip if the Indian government agreed to provide the requisite approvals.

However, sources claim that the Indian government has once again rejected India's travel to Pakistan, and it is unclear how this will affect the tournament and their participation.

Wasim Akram said that facilities within the country are good with the PCB Chairman already beginning work on new stadiums as well across the country.

“I hope that India does come to Pakistan. The whole country is looking forward to receiving all the teams. We will grandly welcome them. The facilities are great, and new stadiums are being built. The chairman Mohsin Naqvi has started new stadiums in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi. So I think it will be a great tournament,” Akram told IANS.

India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan led to the Asia Cup 2023 being played in a hybrid model with Pakistan hosting 4 games and the rest of the matches and the final was played in Sri Lanka.

If India's participation is ruled out, the PCB may be obliged to undertake a similar move again, or the ICC may consider revoking India's spot in the rankings in favor of Sri Lanka.

“Pakistan needs that tournament for the betterment of cricket and world cricket and I hope that all the teams do the tour as I feel that cricket and politics should be separate. Overall, everything is ready, Pakistan, and the whole country are looking forward to this event. The team, the dignitaries, the press I hope all of you are there to see it,” Akram added.

The Champions Trophy is to be played in Pakistan in February-March next year.