Legendary pacer Wasim Akram has expressed hope that the India men’s team will tour Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The ninth edition of the Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in the February- March window, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.
Remember, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
In contrast, Pakistan has made four trips to India in the last 16 years. Their most recent visit was last year for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.
Wasim Akram, during an online press conference from Melbourne, recently shared his optimism regarding a potential visit from India to Pakistan.
He mentioned that he has been reading positive news from India, which has given him a sense of hope for the potential visit to Pakistan.
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“I think whatever I’m reading, there are positive vibes from [the] Indian government and [the] BCCI,” Akram said. “I also read somewhere they will play probably all their games in Lahore.”
The legendary fast bowler warmly welcomed the Indian cricket team to Pakistan, expressing his enthusiasm and assurance that they would be treated with exceptional hospitality during their stay.
“They will probably come to Lahore and travel [back] the same night. I’m all for it, as long as India is comfortable. And I can promise you, they [are] going to get looked after amazingly well,” he added.
“I mean, Indian cricketers like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, [Hardik] Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, they have fans in Pakistan. The young cricket fans adore them,” he concluded.
Recently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi reiterated that all eight teams, including India, will visit Pakistan to participate in the Champions Trophy 2025.
“Do not worry, all teams will come to Pakistan to play Champions Trophy,” Naqvi said in a casual interaction with the media in Karachi.
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