Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has sparked a major debate with his comments surrounding India’s refusal to tour Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Akhtar has attributed the decision to the BJP-led Indian government rather than the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), highlighting the ongoing political tensions between the two nations.

The BCCI recently announced that Team India would not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy after consulting with the Indian government. In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) rejected the proposed hybrid model, which would have allowed India to play their matches at neutral venues. The PCB has raised its concerns with the International Cricket Council (ICC), expressing disappointment over the stalemate.

Commenting on the issue, Shoaib Akhtar emphasized that the final call rests with the Indian government. He stated:

“It’s really up to the governments. It’s nothing to do with the BCCI. It is up to the BJP government. They will decide. There will be back-channel talks. Even in days of war, there are back-channel talks. We should not lose hope. We have to look forward to a solution. We know a fact that 95-98 percent of sponsorship for ICC comes from India.”

"If Pakistan fails to convince India to come to Pakistan, then two things will happen: Pakistan will lose about 100 million dollars of the sponsorship that will go to ICC and the host country will earn. Second, it would be better if India comes and plays in Pakistan. But it’s really, really up to the government. It has nothing to do with BCCI.” he added.

Akhtar shed light on the excitement surrounding the possibility of Indian players, especially Virat Kohli, playing in Pakistan.

“Virat Kohli is trying to play in Pakistan for the first time. Entire Pakistan wants to see Virat play in Pakistan. Imagine him scoring a century in Pakistan. It will be good; he doesn’t score a century here and gets out early. It will be a full circle for him.”

“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.”