Legendary former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram hoped that the Indian team would travel to his country for the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be played in February 2025.
However, India's chances of travelling to Pakistan for the event are slim, and in major doubt, as the BCCI has not sent the Indian team across the border for over a decade now.
MORE: Champions Trophy 2025: Will India travel to Pakistan?
In the most recent case, India threatened to pull out of the Asia Cup 2023, which was set to be hosted in Pakistan. The tournament was then co-hosted by Sri Lanka, where India played all their matches, including the knockouts.
BET NOW: Exclusive sign-up offers and bonuses when you bet on cricketing action
What did Wasim Akram say about India travelling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025?
Wasim Akram was speaking to the Indo-Asian News Service (IANS), where he shared his opinion about the Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to be hosted by Pakistan and India's participation in it.
There have been major doubts about India declining to play in the tournament in Pakistan, due to the Indian government's policy to avoid bilateral series with the neighbouring country due to cross-border terrorism.
Akram, who was part of the Pakistan teams that had welcomed Team India to his country, hoped that the restriction could be lifted and that the fans could witness the Indian team playing in their grounds once again.
"I hope India comes to Pakistan during the Champions Trophy. The whole country is looking forward to receiving all the nations. They'll get a grand welcome. Great cricket will be played," he said.
With the success of Pakistan's domestic T20 league, the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which has seen players from all around the world participate in the tournament, the stadiums have seen upgrades over the years. He hoped that every team including India, visited Pakistan for both bilateral and ICC tournaments.
MORE: Starc opens up on Rohit Sharma's brutal takedown in 2024 T20 World Cup
"We have good facilities, new stadiums are being built and the chairman has started renovating the stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. So, I think it will be a great tournament and Pakistan need this tournament for the betterment of world cricket and I hope all the teams tour us."
Akram, like his former teammate, Shahid Afridi suggested that politics should not be mixed with cricket, as he urged the Indian team to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, instead of opting for hybrid venues like they did during the Asia Cup 2023.
"Cricket and politics should be kept separate. I don't know what the system will be but overall, everything is ready, and Pakistan are looking forward to receiving every team, the dignitaries, the fans, the media," Akram added.
𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐒 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞
— IANS (@ians_india) July 11, 2024
Watch: Former seamer Wasim Akram ‘hopes’ Indian team will travel to Pakistan for 2025 Champions Trophy pic.twitter.com/5B09C7JCUQ
When will the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 be played?
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be played between February 19, to March 09, 2025. The eight-member competition will be held among the top seven teams from the ODI World Cup 2023, with Pakistan qualifying as hosts, despite getting eliminated in the group stage.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >