2025 Champions Trophy:
Shoaib Akhtar, the former fast bowler known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” recently shared his thoughts on India’s participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy. In an interview with a local TV channel, Akhtar expressed confidence that back-channel negotiations would eventually lead to India’s involvement in the tournament despite the current uncertainties.
Hope for Resolution: 
Akhtar urged fans not to lose hope, believing a resolution would be reached in time. He emphasized the importance of patience and waiting for a solution to the issue, which currently involves the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
India’s Influence in World Cricket:
Akhtar also highlighted India’s significant role in global cricket. “We all know that 95 to 96 percent of sponsorship in the International Cricket Council (ICC) comes from India,” Akhtar stated. This economic influence, he added, means India can exert considerable pressure in these negotiations.
The Role of Governments:
While the cricket boards of both countries play a crucial role, Akhtar stressed that the outcome depends mainly on the governments of Pakistan and India. He raised a hypothetical scenario, imagining India’s star cricketer, Virat Kohli, playing in Pakistan and scoring a century. Such moments, Akhtar believes, could pave the way for better relations between the two nations in cricket.
Champions Trophy and Future Tournaments:
Akhtar mentioned that while Pakistan cannot currently host significant events like the World Cup, the Champions Trophy would be an essential step toward hosting larger tournaments in the future. Despite ongoing tensions, he remained optimistic that India’s cricket team would eventually visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
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Ongoing Disputes and Financial Pressure:
The comments come amid continued disputes between the cricket boards of India and Pakistan regarding the logistics of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Broadcasting companies have started putting pressure on the ICC to finalize the tournament schedule, citing the financial losses caused by the delays. ICC officials are reportedly concerned about the need for more flexibility from both boards, with potential economic consequences for the global body if the situation still needs to be resolved soon.
Pakistan’s Stand on the Hybrid Model:
Pakistan has rejected the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy, maintaining its stance on hosting the event. The country, the defending champion after winning the 2017 final, is eager to showcase its capabilities and host the prestigious tournament.
Security Plans and Support from Other Boards:
In response to India’s refusal to tour Pakistan, the PCB has sought support from other cricket boards to ensure the event’s success. The PCB has shared its “master security plan” with the BCCI, and according to PCB sources, no objections have been raised by ICC members as of the latest meetings. With support from other boards, the PCB argues that there is no legal or ethical basis for the BCCI to oppose the event on security grounds.
ICC Backlash and Discontent Among Fans:
The ICC has faced criticism from Pakistani fans and analysts over handling the 2025 Champions Trophy. The controversy began after an ICC press release about the upcoming trophy tour failed to mention Pakistan as the host country or the PCB’s involvement. This omission and the absence of references to Pakistani venues have sparked widespread disappointment within Pakistan’s cricket community.
Frustration Over Altered Schedule:
Adding to the disappointment, the ICC reportedly altered its trophy tour schedule without consulting Pakistani officials. This decision further fueled concerns about the ICC’s perceived bias against Pakistan as the host nation for the Champions Trophy.
Conclusion:
Despite the ongoing challenges, Shoaib Akhtar remains hopeful that India will participate in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan. With both cricket boards under pressure and the ICC facing mounting criticism, resolving this issue will be crucial for the tournament’s success and the future of cricket diplomacy between Pakistan and India.
