As the controversy surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 hosting intensifies, former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has made a bold statement, urging his team to travel to India and beat their arch-rivals on their home turf.
India has firmly declared it will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025, leading to speculation that the tournament may be played in a hybrid format. Media reports suggest that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has set certain conditions, stating that it will not travel to India for future ICC events unless the hybrid model is accepted. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has yet to make an official announcement on the matter.
Amid this ongoing dispute, Akhtar expressed support for the PCB’s stance, noting that Pakistan should receive a higher share of the revenue. “You’re being paid for hosting rights and revenue, and that’s fair—we all understand that. Pakistan’s position is also reasonable. They should have taken a firm stand. If we host the Champions Trophy and India is unwilling to come, they should share the revenue with us at a higher rate. It’s a good call,” Akhtar said in a recent interview on a Pakistani news channel.
The former fast bowler also suggested that Pakistan should consider touring India in the future, emphasizing the importance of playing in India and securing a win on their home ground. “I believe we should extend a hand of friendship and go there. My opinion has always been, go to India and beat them there. India mein khelo aur wahi unhe maarke aao (play in India and beat them on their home ground),” he added, acknowledging that the hybrid model had been previously agreed upon.
