Pakistan’s legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram recently attended a program of Coke Studio. During this time he had the Champions Trophy in his hand and during this time Akram thanked the audience for the long wait. However, it is not yet decided under which model the ICC Champions Trophy, which is to be held in Pakistan between February-March 2025, will be played.
There is a question regarding the Champions Trophy after India refused to go to Pakistan and if reports are to be believed, there is a deadlock between BCCI, ICC and PCB regarding the hybrid model of the tournament. During this program, Wasim Akram has made a big claim and he is confident of hosting the entire tournament in the country next year.
Champions Trophy is currently on its Pakistan tour and recently Akram participated in the Coke Studio program with this trophy. During this, he made a big announcement and said, “I would like to thank everyone. The passion of all of you, which is typical Pakistan passion. This is the Champions Trophy, which is being held in Pakistan.” Wasim Akram further said, “Pakistan is ready to organize the Champions Trophy.”
– Loved the vibe & passion of the crowd… #CokeStudio x #ChampionsTrophy #ICC pic.twitter.com/vWZfRgz2yv
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) December 10, 2024
Amid the latest controversy regarding the Champions Trophy, it is reported that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assured ‘full support’ to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on the issue of hosting the Champions Trophy next year and according to sources he has said that the country One should maintain his self-respect while dealing with this matter. Sharif is also the patron of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He also told Naqvi that it is not just a matter of money as public sentiments should also be kept in mind.
Naqvi on Sunday briefed Sharif about the behind-the-scenes developments, but the PCB did not disclose details of the meeting. “The Prime Minister assured the PCB of his full support on this issue and appreciated the stance taken by the (PCB) Chairman on India’s refusal to play in Pakistan,” the source said.
He said Sharif told Naqvi that everything was not about money and Pakistan should deal with the matter keeping in mind its self-respect and pride. According to ‘Geo TV’, during the meeting, the Prime Minister told Naqvi, “The stand taken by the PCB in the Champions Trophy issue after India refused to play in Pakistan reflects the sentiments of all Pakistanis.” Naqvi has said that any decision on Champions Trophy will be taken after consulting the government.
Another source close to the government said that Naqvi had met the Prime Minister to inform him about Pakistan’s next step as the Indian cricket board was not ready to accept the ‘fusion formula’ proposed by the PCB before the ICC. .
The source said, “Basically Naqvi wanted to keep the Prime Minister updated and seek his approval if the PCB decided to break the impasse by taking any difficult decision on the tournament.” PCB wants BCCI to accept a formula under which if India does not play any ICC tournament in Pakistan then the neighboring team will also not come to India for any tournament.
(with input from language)
