Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram made interesting remarks regarding Pakistan hosting the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in February-March next year. Wasim Akram said that Pakistan is ready to host the prestigious ICC tournament despite uncertainties surrounding the event’s future.
The legendary pacer made a surprise appearance at a Coke Studio show in Dubai to promote the Champions Trophy 2025. Akram carried the trophy, placed it on a platform, and greeted the crowd with “assalamualaikum.” He entered after Faris Shafi’s performance and received a rousing reception from fans.
Pakistan Is Ready to Host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025- Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram thanked the audience for their enthusiastic support, praising the passionate nature of Pakistanis. He stated that the Champions Trophy 2025 would 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 which is happening in Pakistan. Pakistan is ready to host the Champions Trophy,” the legendary fast bowler said during the Coke Studio event.
Pakistan Set to Host Champions Trophy with Hybrid Model
Pakistan is set to host the Champions Trophy 2025, which will begin on February 19. However, the tournament will adopt a hybrid hosting model, with India not traveling to Pakistan. India’s matches are likely to be played in Dubai. The final schedule has yet to be announced by the International Cricket Council.
The hybrid hosting model for the event was adopted after discussions between the ICC, PCB, and other stakeholders. It was driven by political tensions and security concerns, particularly regarding India’s reluctance to travel to 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 stated that India’s matches may be played in Lahore and that Indian cricketers could travel back the same night.
“I think whatever I’m reading, there are positive vibes from [the] Indian government and [the] BCCI. I also read somewhere they will play probably all their games in Lahore. They will probably come to Lahore and travel [back] the same night. I’m all for it, as long as India is comfortable. And I can promise you, they [are] going to get looked after amazingly well. I mean, Indian cricketers like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, [Hardik] Pandya, and Suryakumar Yadav, they have fans in Pakistan. The young cricket fans adore them.”
It is worth mentioning that India’s senior men’s cricket team has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, where they won the final against Sri Lanka. Their last bilateral series in Pakistan was in 2005-06.
India and Pakistan have met in Asia Cups and ICC events, with their most recent clash at the 2024 T20 World Cup in New York, where the Rohit Sharma-led team won by six runs.
Also read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Global body nears final decision, official announcement out on….