Former Pakistan wicketkeeper batter Kamran Akmal slammed the Board of Control for Cricket in India for not sending Team India to Pakistan to feature in the upcoming Champions Trophy. The Indian cricket board denied sending the team to the neighbouring nation citing players' security concerns.
The BCCI has notified the ICC of its decision not to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly reached out to the ICC, seeking clarification on the reasons behind India’s decision.
In the exclusive conversation with Sports Tak, Akmal said that the Champions Trophy is the right of Pakistan and it's not good to always give security excuses.
"Team India should come to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy as there is no security concern in the neighbouring country" said Kamran Akmal.
Pakistan, the reigning champions of the Champions Trophy, is set to launch the trophy tour for the 2025 edition from Islamabad on November 16. This comes amidst uncertainty surrounding India’s participation and the tournament schedule.
India has maintained its position of not traveling to Pakistan for the event, citing security concerns. Earlier, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla indicated that India’s participation would depend on clearance from the Government of India.
Last year, Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup under a hybrid model, with India playing its matches in Sri Lanka. While there has been speculation about hosting the Champions Trophy in a similar hybrid format, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently stated that no discussions have taken place regarding this option.
Reports suggest that South Africa and the UAE are being considered as alternative venues for the tournament if Pakistan is unable to host it. Additionally, there is speculation that Pakistan could withdraw from the event should the ICC opt to shift the tournament to a neutral location.
