Champions Trophy 2025: When Australia Can Visit Pakistan, Why Not India? Asks Kamran Akmal

India's participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan remains uncertain. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to clarify their plans. Last year, India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, leading to a hybrid model where India played their matches in Sri Lanka. Despite winning the final against Sri Lanka, reports suggest India might skip next year's event.

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal believes that if Australia can play in Pakistan, India should too. "When a team like Australia can visit Pakistan, why not India? The India-Pakistan bilateral series should happen. Both governments need to sit and talk. This will benefit cricket," Akmal told media.

Government Clearance Crucial

The BCCI has consistently stated that the Indian team will only travel to Pakistan if they receive clearance from the central government. Even Indian captain Rohit Sharma mentioned that while players are ready to go anywhere, the final decision on playing in Pakistan rests with the government.

Akmal pointed out that the Pakistani government would never prevent their players from competing in India. He highlighted that Pakistan toured India last year for the ODI World Cup without any issues.

Efforts to Revive Cricket

Akmal emphasised the significant efforts made by Pakistan to bring cricket back to their country. He urged India to participate in the Champions Trophy, saying, "Pehle aapne Asia Cup le liya, ab Champions Trophy ki baatein kar rahe hain. Kyun kar rahe hain aap aisa? (First you took away the Asia Cup from Pakistan; now talking about the Champions Trophy, why?) ... Pakistan has done a lot of hard work to bring cricket back to the country."

He added that if India invites Pakistan, their government would encourage them to play. "If India invites Pakistan, our government will never stop us. They will say, 'Go and play.' The Indian government should do the same. Let's keep politics aside and play cricket," he added.

The uncertainty surrounding India's participation continues as both cricket boards await further developments and decisions from their respective governments.