There is still no development regarding the confirmation of the host venue for next year's Champions Trophy after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the Men in Blue will not be making the trip to Pakistan. Subsequently, the ICC asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) whether they would be interested in hosting the tournament in a hybrid model, with India's matches being held at a neutral venue like in the UAE. However, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi is determined to host the entire event in Pakistan and is unwilling to compromise.
As things have come to a standstill regarding the marquee event, former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has come out with an interesting take on the issue. According to the cricketer-turned-expert, the legendary Virat Kohli is willing to play in Pakistan.
"There will be back channel talks. Even in days of war there are back channel talks. We should not lose hope. We have to look forward to a solution. We know a fact that 95-96 per cent of sponsorship for ICC comes from India," Shoaib Akhtar said in an interview as quoted by NDTV Sports.
"It's really up to the governments. It's nothing to do with the BCCI. Virat Kohli is trying to play in Pakistan for the first time. Pakistan wants to see Virat play in Pakistan. Imagine him scoring a century in Pakistan. It will be a full circle for him. Pakistan has got a tag that it cannot host big tournaments like World Cup. If this (Champions Trophy) happens it will be a stepping stone for bigger events. I don't think this will happen. Keeping the fingers crossed. Wait till the last moment. I think currently, as of now, India is coming to Pakistan," he further added.
Pakistan are the defending champions, winning the last edition of the Champions Trophy in 2017 after Sarfaraz Ahmed and Co. beat Kohli-led India in the final by 180 runs at the Kennington Oval in London.
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