The interview of former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, also known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” regarding the Champions Trophy has gone viral.
In the interview given to a local TV channel, Shoaib Akhtar said that backchannel negotiations would take place between the two countries regarding the Champions Trophy, and we should not lose hope but instead wait for a solution.
He acknowledged the reality that 95-96% of sponsorship in the International Cricket Council (ICC) comes from India, which is why the Indian board wields significant power.
Shoaib Akhtar emphasized that the arrival of both teams depends entirely on the governments, and no cricket board, whether the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), can do anything in this regard.
He further said, “Imagine Virat Kohli playing in Pakistan and scoring a century. Pakistan may not be able to host large tournaments like the World Cup, but if the Champions Trophy takes place, it will be a step toward hosting big events. I still believe the Indian team will come to Pakistan.”
Meanwhile, the cricket boards of India and Pakistan are engaged in a verbal war over the Champions Trophy, while broadcasting companies have started pressuring the ICC to announce the schedule, citing financial losses due to delays.
ICC senior officials are also concerned about the lack of flexibility shown by both Pakistan and India. If the Indian board continues with its obstinacy, the ICC could face significant financial losses from the event.
In the ongoing controversy regarding the Champions Trophy, the hybrid model has been rejected again, with Pakistan having presented its stance to the ICC, now awaiting a response. The ICC must consider its own reputation more than the stance of the Indian board.
It is worth noting that Pakistan is the defending champion of the tournament, having won the 2017 final under the leadership of Sarfaraz Ahmed by defeating their traditional rivals India by 180 runs.
