"Virat Kohli is trying to play in Pakistan for the first time" - Shoaib Akhtar calls for resolution of Champions Trophy 2025 scheduling fiasco

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has called for the resolution of the ongoing scheduling fiasco between India and Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, set to be played in Pakistan. The BCCI refused to send Team India to Pakistan for the tournament upon the government's advice, citing security reasons.

However, Pakistan have been firm in their stance and rejected the hybrid model with India playing their games elsewhere. They have written to the ICC for a resolution on BCCI's stance.

After several former players from India and Pakistan weighed in on the issue over the past few days, it was Akhtar's turn.

During a local interview, he was quoted by NDTV Sports as saying:

"It's really up to the governments. It's nothing to do with the BCCI. Virat Kohli is trying to play in Pakistan for the first time. Pakistan wants to see Virat play in Pakistan. Imagine him scoring a century in Pakistan. It will be a full circle for him."

Akhtar added:

"There will be back channel talks. Even in days of war there is back channel talks. We should not lose hope. We have to look forward to a solution. We know a fact that 95-96 per cent of sponsorship for ICC comes from India."

India last played a match in Pakistan in the 2008 Asia Cup and their last full tour of Pakistan goes even further back to 2005-06.

"Pakistan has got a tag that it cannot host big tournaments like World Cup" - Shoaib Akhtar

Shoaib Akhtar believes hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy would be a step in the right direction for Pakistan as they attempt to shed the tag of not being capable of hosting big tournaments.

Pakistan co-hosted the 2023 Asia Cup which was played in a hybrid model due to India's decision not to travel to the country, with Sri Lanka hosting their games.

"Pakistan has got a tag that it cannot host big tournaments like World Cup. If this (Champions Trophy) happens it will be a stepping stone for bigger events. I don't think this will happen. Keeping the fingers crossed. Wait till the last moment. I think currently, as of now, India is coming to Pakistan," Akhtar said in the same interview.

The two arch-rivals last played in a bilateral series in 2012-13 when Pakistan toured India for an ODI and T20I series.

However, they have met in ICC events and Asia Cups since, with their latest meeting coming at the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA.