'India are going to get looked after amazingly well' - Wasim Akram hopes for India's arrival in Pakistan for Champions Trophy

Pakistan will be hosting an ICC event for the first time since 1996 in the form of Champions Trophy 2025 in February. The preparations are in full swing as the country braces to welcome the world to their land but the conduct is not smooth as it seems. India have not yet provided a green signal to travel to Pakistan owing to security concerns.

Both countries' relations have strained over the years, especially when the 2008 Mumbai attacks took place. India have not travelled to Pakistan since 2008 Asia Cup. With the political and geopolitical tensions at their peak, BCCI has left the decision of travelling to Pakistan to the Indian government. Amidst this, former Pakistan cricketer, Wasim Akram has assured that the Men in Blue will cherish the hospitality in Pakistan as their star players have a solid fan base across the border too.

Also Read: Mohammad Rizwan extends invitation to India for Champions Trophy 2025

"I think whatever I'm reading, there are positive vibes from [the] Indian government and [the] BCCI. I also read somewhere they will play probably all their games in Lahore. They will probably come to Lahore and travel [back] the same night. I'm all for it, as long as India is comfortable,” said Akram as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"And I can promise you, they [are] going to get looked after amazingly well. I mean, Indian cricketers like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, [Hardik] Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, they have fans in Pakistan. The young cricket fans adore them,” he added.

We always seek the permission of the government: Rajiv Shukla

It is worth noting that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed that the Indian team shall play all its games in Lahore. The board has also assured full-fledged security while also adding that the team will travel back to Chandigarh, after they finish every game of theirs in Lahore. It has also proposed to change the venue of the Finals to Lahore if India reach the ultimate clash of the tournament.

Also Read: ICC satisfied with arrangements made by PCB for Champions Trophy 2025

“No decision has been taken (yet). But our policy is that for international tours, we always seek the permission of the government. It’s up to the government to decide whether our team should go to any country or our team should not go to any country,” said BCCI vice president, Rajiv Shukla.