Lahore, October 31, 2024 – Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has expressed optimism about India participating in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next February, emphasizing that Indian players will be “looked after amazingly well.” He believes that their visit would be a significant boost for cricket.
“I sense positive vibes from the Indian government and the BCCI,” Akram stated. “I’ve heard they might play all their matches in Lahore, returning to their hotel the same night. I’m fully supportive of this, provided India feels comfortable.”
Akram highlighted the popularity of Indian cricketers like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Suryakumar Yadav among Pakistani fans, stating, “The young cricket fans in Pakistan admire them.”
Speaking ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming six-match ODI and T20I series in Australia, which starts on Monday, Akram stressed the importance of fostering people-to-people contact in today’s social media-driven world, where negativity often prevails. “If India comes to Pakistan, it would be fantastic for cricket and beneficial for Pakistan as well,” he added.
Since 2008, India has not played an international match in Pakistan. Should any part of the Champions Trophy be moved from Pakistan, the UAE is considered a likely alternative venue. Last year, the BCCI opted not to send a team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, resulting in a hybrid model with later stages held in Sri Lanka.
However, Pakistan did travel to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, where they narrowly missed a semi-final berth.
The Champions Trophy will feature eight teams divided into two groups of four, followed by semi-finals and a final. The participating teams include Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa.
