Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has called on the national cricket team to take a bold approach amid the ongoing controversy over the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 hosting arrangements. The tournament, initially awarded to Pakistan, now appears set to follow a hybrid model due to India's decision not to play matches in Pakistan. Under this arrangement, India is likely to play its games at neutral venues while Pakistan hosts the remaining matches. The dispute has added another chapter to the strained cricketing ties between the two countries.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly pushed back against India’s stance, setting conditions that they too would not travel to India for future ICC tournaments unless a resolution is reached. This stalemate has sparked intense debate, with both sides holding firm. An official announcement from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the hybrid model is awaited, but the issue has already garnered significant attention from fans and analysts alike.
Akhtar expressed his approval of Pakistan’s assertive position, suggesting that this situation could work in favor of the PCB if leveraged wisely. He emphasized the importance of ensuring Pakistan benefits financially from hosting the tournament, particularly in light of India’s refusal to play on Pakistani soil. Speaking on a Pakistani news channel, Akhtar stated, “You are getting paid for hosting rights and revenue, and that’s fine—we all understand it. Pakistan’s stance is also reasonable. They should have maintained a strong position, why not? Once we are able to host the Champions Trophy in our country and they are unwilling to come, they should share the revenue with us at a higher rate. That’s a good call.”
However, Akhtar also struck a conciliatory note, encouraging Pakistan to adopt a proactive and diplomatic approach. He stressed the importance of continuing to play in India for ICC tournaments and urged the team to use these opportunities to showcase their talent and dominance. Highlighting the competitive spirit of the game, Akhtar remarked, “In terms of playing in India in the future, we should extend a hand of friendship and go there. My belief has always been, go to India and defeat them there. India mein khelo aur wahi unhe maarke aao (play in India and beat them on their home ground).” Akhtar's remarks underline his belief that sporting achievements can serve as a powerful statement amid geopolitical tensions.
The impasse over the Champions Trophy hosting arrangements is part of a broader history of disrupted cricketing relations between India and Pakistan. Bilateral series have been suspended since 2012-13, when Pakistan toured India for a limited-overs series. The last time India visited Pakistan was for the Asia Cup in 2008. Since then, Pakistan has traveled to India for ICC events, including their recent participation in the 2023 ODI World Cup, while bilateral cricket remains a distant prospect.
Akhtar’s comments reflect his desire to see cricket rise above political and diplomatic challenges. He acknowledged that the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy had already been agreed upon, demonstrating the PCB’s pragmatism in dealing with the situation. Despite the ongoing tensions, Akhtar believes that Pakistan can use this controversy as an opportunity to reaffirm their standing in the cricketing world.
By urging Pakistan to embrace their hosting rights while continuing to compete internationally, Akhtar emphasized the need for resilience and focus. His call for Pakistan to "defeat India in India" underscores the power of sports as a unifying and inspiring force, even amid complex geopolitical dynamics. This sentiment echoes the hope of many cricket fans who wish to see the game transcend borders and politics while delivering thrilling moments on the field.
