Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has voiced confidence that India’s cricket team will be warmly welcomed and “looked after amazingly well” if they travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy next February.
Citing it as a “great thing for cricket” Akram has expressed confidence that the ongoing logjam will be resolved soon.
“I think whatever I’m reading, there are positive vibes from the Indian government and the BCCI,” Akram said to ESPNCricinfo, noting that discussions suggest India might play all its matches in Lahore. “I’m all for it, as long as India is comfortable,” he added, expressing assurance that Indian cricketers like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Suryakumar Yadav—who have massive fan followings in Pakistan—would be embraced enthusiastically by local fans.
Wasim Akram underscored the importance of “people-to-people contact” in today’s social media age, explaining that “if India comes, it will be great for cricket, and of course, great for Pakistan too.”
India’s participation in the upcoming championship has become a long-winded topic for everyone involved.
PCB is pressing ahead with plans to host the entire Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, and has offered to stage all of India’s matches in Lahore. The venue’s proximity to the Indian border would simplify logistics and minimize security challenges, according to PCB officials. They’ve also pledged to issue around 17,000 visas for Indian fans, promising ample support for those eager to cheer for their team.
BCCI has yet to agree to any of these terms.
India has not played a game in Pakistan since 2008 and UAE remains a potential fallback venue. Last year’s Asia Cup followed a similar hybrid model.
The Champions Trophy will bring together eight teams: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa, organized into two groups of four, culminating in semi-finals and a final.
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