Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar wants the authorities to find a solution to end the deadlock between India and Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to be played in Pakistan. The BCCI has refused to send the Men in Blue to Pakistan after the Indian government’s refusal, citing security reasons.

However, Pakistan rejected the hybrid model after India requested the ICC to organize their matches in the UAE.

“The governments are the decision-makers, and the BCCI can’t do anything. Virat Kohli wants to play in Pakistan for the first time in his career. Pakistan wants to see him play in the country. Imagine Virat Kohli scoring a hundred in Pakistan. It will be huge,” Shoaib Akhtar said.

“The back channel talks can help. Even in days of war, this happened. We will have to find a solution. We know that ICC gets 95-96 per cent of sponsorship from India,” he added.

Shoaib Akhtar feels that Pakistan should host the Champions Trophy. “Pakistan has a tag that it cannot host big tournaments like World Cups. If the Champions Trophy is played in Pakistan, it will help the country host bigger events. I think India is coming to Pakistan.”