Pakistan Great’s ‘Virat Kohli’ Warning to BCCI Amid Champions Trophy Tour Scramble

Pakistan’s right to host the ICC Champions Trophy has raised doubts over India’s willingness to travel to the country. Due to political differences between the two neighboring nations, bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan has been suspended since 2013. If reports are to be believed, the BCCI is unlikely to get travel clearance from the Indian government for the tournament in Pakistan. However, Pakistan’s recent visit to India for the 2023 Fifty-Over World Cup has sparked discussions about a possible return in favour.

According to the initial Champions Trophy, the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host all of India’s games, including the one against Pakistan.

There were also rumors that the BCCI proposed a hybrid model similar to the one used in last year’s Asia Cup when India’s matches were held in Sri Lanka.

Amid the ongoing debate, former captain Younis Khan has called for India to travel to Pakistan as it is the “only thing left” in batting Virat Kohli’s career.

“Virat Kohli should come to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. It is our wish too. He should come and perform in Pakistan. I think the only thing left in Virat’s career is to tour Pakistan and perform ” said Younis Khan. News24.

India last played a bilateral series away from home against Pakistan in 2006, two years before Kohli’s international debut.

Although the 35-year-old played a series against Pakistan when the team toured India for a limited-overs tour in December 2012, Kohli is yet to play a Test against Pakistan.

According to a recent report, the PCB has left it to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to convince the BCCI to send its team to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy.

According to a PCB source, although the budget for the Champions Trophy was approved at the recent ICC meetings in Colombo, the timing and format were not discussed.

“The PCB has now done what was required of it as host of the Champions Trophy. He presented the draft schedule and format of the event and also presented the budget for the event,” said a PCB source.

“It is now up to the ICC as they circulate, discuss and finalize the Champions Trophy calendar. The PCB, for its part in drafting the calendar, suggested hosting all of India’s matches in Lahore, including a semi-final (if India qualify). and final,” he said.