Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar believes India desires to play cricket in Pakistan more than Pakistan does. He suggests Virat Kohli likely shares this eagerness.
India has opted not to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, scheduled for February. Consequently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has accepted a hybrid model. Under this arrangement, India’s matches will be relocated to Dubai.
Akhtar said, “India is dying more than Pakistan to play in Pakistan. Virat Kohli is probably dying to play in Pakistan. Agar India, Pakistan land karjate toh, (If India lands in Pakistan then) TV rights and sponshorship would go off the roofs.”
Akhtar notes that the Indian team’s absence is due to governmental restrictions, not the team’s preference. He advises Pakistan to approach future tournament participation in India positively.
“In terms of playing in India in the future, we should extend a hand of friendship and go there. My belief has always been: go to India and defeat them there—India mein khelo aur wahi unhe maarke aao (play in India and beat them on their home ground). I understand that the hybrid model had already been signed earlier,” he added.
This hybrid model enables Pakistan to host the tournament, but the PCB has presented conditions to the ICC. They are seeking equitable terms for hybrid models in future ICC tournaments hosted by India.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasizes the need for reciprocity.
“It shouldn’t be that we travel to India and they don’t come to our country.”
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