Wasim Akram, the former captain of Pakistan, expressed his belief that if India’s cricket team visits Pakistan for the Champions Trophy in February of next year, they will be welcomed and “looked after amazingly well.”
Akram has voiced hope that the current blockage will be broken soon, calling it a “great thing for cricket.”
Akram told ESPNCricinfo, “I think whatever I’m reading, there are encouraging vibes from the Indian government and the BCCI.” He said that there have been talks that indicate India may play all of its matches in Lahore. He went on to say, “I’m all for it, as long as India is comfortable,” and gave his word that local fans will warmly welcome Indian cricket players with sizable fan bases in Pakistan, such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Suryakumar Yadav.
In the era of social media, Wasim Akram emphasized the value of “people-to-people contact,” saying that “if India comes, it will be wonderful for cricket, and of obviously, great for Pakistan too.”
For all parties concerned, the subject of India’s involvement in the next tournament has become a tiresome one.
PCB has proposed to host all of India’s matches in Lahore and is moving on with plans to host the full Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, which is set for February 19–March 9.
According to PCB authorities, the location’s proximity to the Indian border will streamline logistics and reduce security issues. In order to provide enough assistance for those who are keen to follow their side, they have also promised to provide about 17,000 visas for Indian supporters.
None of these terms have been accepted by BCCI yet.
