Pakistan’s former fast bowler Wasim Akram has made interesting statements about Pakistan hosting the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in February-March next year. Wasim Akram said Pakistan is ready to host the prestigious ICC tournament despite uncertainties surrounding the future of the event.
The legendary pacer made a surprise appearance on the Coke Studio show in Dubai to promote the Champions Trophy 2025. Akram carried the trophy, placed it on the platform and greeted the crowd saying “Peace be upon you”. He entered after Faris Shafi’s performance and was greeted enthusiastically by his fans.
Pakistan ready to host ICC Champions Trophy 2025 – Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram praised the passionate nature of Pakistanis and thanked the audience for their enthusiastic support. He said that the Champions Cup 2025 will be held in Pakistan and emphasized that the country is ready to host the prestigious event.
“I would like to thank everyone. Your passion is typical Pakistani passion. This is the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Pakistan is ready to host the Champions Trophy,” the legendary fast bowler said at the Coke Studio event.
Pakistan to host Champions Trophy with Hybrid Model
Pakistan is all set to host the Champions Trophy 2025 starting on February 19. However, the tournament will adopt a hybrid hosting model, with India not visiting Pakistan. India’s games will be played in Dubai. The final schedule is yet to be announced by the International Cricket Council.
The hybrid hosting model for the event was adopted after discussions between ICC, PCB and other stakeholders. This was due to political tensions and security concerns, particularly India’s reluctance to visit Pakistan. This model balances the interests of both cricketing powerhouses.
They will probably come to Lahore – Wasim Akram
During an interaction in October, Wasim Akram expressed optimism about India’s participation in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. The cricketer-turned-commentator said India’s matches could be played in Lahore and the Indian cricketers could return the same night.
“I think from everything I’ve read, there’s a positive vibe from the Indian government and (the) BCCI. I also read somewhere that they’ll probably play all their games in Lahore. They’ll probably come to Lahore and travel (back) the same night, as long as India is comfortable, they will look amazing (like Virat Kohli, Rohit) Sharma, (Hardik) Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav, they have fans in Pakistan their fans adore them.”
Notably, the Indian senior men’s cricket team has not visited Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, when they won the final against Sri Lanka. Their last bilateral series in Pakistan was in 2005-06.
India and Pakistan met in the Asia Cups and ICC competitions with their most recent clash in the 2024 T20 World Cup, which the Rohit Sharma-led side won by six runs.
Also read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Global body nears final decision, official announcement…
