With the International Cricket Council (ICC) struggling to find a resolution for the Champions Trophy 2025 due to the India-Pakistan standoff, Kamran Akmal came up with a bold suggestion, calling for a drastic overhaul of how matches between the two nations are scheduled.
Kamran Akmal suggested that until bilateral ties between India and Pakistan resume, their matches should not be scheduled in the multi-nation tournaments entirely. His surprising suggestion came amid growing debate over the Champions Trophy 2025, which is currently facing diplomatic hurdles.
Kamran Akmal demands permanent solution for India-Pakistan standoff
According to the Pakistani cricketer, if a hybrid model is adopted for next year’s Champions Trophy 2025, where India’s games will be held at neutral venues, the same rules should apply to all ICC tournaments hosted in India for Pakistan.
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Kamran Akmal was quoted as saying by Telecom Asia Sport: “The ICC has to make a decision sometime, and I think this is the right time to find a permanent solution. If this Champions Trophy adopts a hybrid model with India not coming to Pakistan, then all other ICC events in India should adopt the same pattern with Pakistan not touring India.”
Akmal further noted, “In my opinion, another solution is that the ICC should not schedule Indo-Pak matches until and unless there is a bilateral series. Once they start playing each other, then only we should have matches in a multinational event.”
Kamran Akmal urges PCB to make strong decision on Champions Trophy 2025
Meanwhile, the ICC is reportedly putting pressure on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to agree to the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025. They are threatening the PCB with losing the hosting rights if they do not agree to host India’s matches at a neutral venue.
Akmal expressed disappointment over the situation, emphasizing that Pakistan has made efforts in the past by touring India, including playing in Ahmedabad last year despite concerns. He suggested that Pakistan should now make a strong decision and stick to it to create a good image.
He added, “I am disappointed to see such a scenario, but enough is enough, as Pakistan has toured India despite one 2016 World Cup match shifting from Dharamshala to Kolkata, and then Pakistan played in Ahmedabad last year despite reservations. Pakistan will have to take a strong decision and stick to it. That will help Pakistan create a good image.”
Kamran Akmal slams India for ‘double standard’
Akmal criticized India for refusing to travel to Pakistan for the multinational event due to political issues while expecting Pakistan to play in India, labeling it as a ‘double standard.’
He signed off by saying, “On one hand, they don’t want to play us in Pakistan on political issues, but on the other hand, they play us in their country, and that is a double standard.”