Is Virat Kohli actually going to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025? Here's the update

Uncertainty continues to loom over the venue for the 2025 Champions Trophy as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has communicated to the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament. In response, the ICC proposed a hybrid model, suggesting that Pakistan host the event with India's matches taking place at a neutral venue, possibly in the UAE. However, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has stood firm on his stance, expressing an unwavering commitment to hosting the entire competition on Pakistani soil. Naqvi views the event as a significant milestone, marking Pakistan’s first major ICC tournament as hosts since the 1996 Cricket World Cup. This determination reflects a broader ambition to showcase Pakistan’s readiness to host international cricket at the highest level.

Will India and Virat Kohli travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy?

The PCB’s position has led to a stalemate, with no breakthrough in negotiations between the parties involved. Despite the ICC’s effort to mediate, the issue highlights broader tensions in cricket diplomacy, particularly concerning bilateral relations between India and Pakistan. As the clock ticks closer to the event, the absence of clarity regarding the host venue casts a shadow over the preparations. The PCB remains hopeful that the ICC and BCCI will reconsider their stance, allowing the tournament to proceed as originally planned. For cricket fans, the resolution of this impasse will be pivotal in determining whether the Champions Trophy lives up to its reputation as a truly global spectacle.

With the stalemate over the 2025 Champions Trophy venue showing no signs of resolution, former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has added an intriguing twist to the ongoing debate. The legendary fast bowler, now a renowned cricket analyst, has claimed that Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli is keen to play in Pakistan despite the political and diplomatic hurdles between the two nations. Akhtar’s assertion comes amidst escalating uncertainty surrounding the marquee tournament, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India has expressed its unwillingness to send the Indian team to Pakistan. The International Cricket Council has proposed a hybrid model, but the Pakistan Cricket Board, led by Mohsin Naqvi, has firmly rejected the idea, insisting that Pakistan must host the entire tournament.

Shoaib Akhtar’s comments highlight the respect and admiration Kohli commands across the cricketing fraternity, even in rival nations. Kohli, who has often spoken about his love for playing in challenging environments, is seen as someone who values the spirit of the game above politics. Akhtar’s statement might fuel discussions around the potential involvement of players in decision-making processes when it comes to high-stakes tournaments. While Akhtar’s take is sure to grab headlines, the larger issue remains unresolved. The ICC, BCCI, and PCB are yet to reach a consensus, leaving the fate of the Champions Trophy hanging in the balance. Whether Kohli’s reported willingness to play in Pakistan could influence the stalemate remains to be seen.

"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.

"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 enters the Champions Trophy 2025 as the defending champions, a title they proudly claimed in the last edition held in 2017. In a memorable finale, Sarfaraz Ahmed's side delivered a stunning performance to defeat Virat Kohli-led India by a massive margin of 180 runs. The iconic clash took place at the Kennington Oval in London and remains one of the most celebrated moments in Pakistan’s cricketing history.

The 2017 final saw Pakistan dominate from start to finish, starting with a sensational batting display that set India a daunting target. Fakhar Zaman stole the show with a brilliant century, while the bowlers, led by Mohammad Amir, dismantled India’s formidable batting lineup. Amir’s fiery spell, including the crucial wicket of Kohli, was a key factor in Pakistan's triumph, cementing the victory as a historic moment in the cricketing rivalry between the two nations.

As Pakistan gears up to host the upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy, the legacy of their 2017 victory adds an extra layer of significance to the event. The prospect of the Men in Green defending their title on home soil has created a sense of anticipation among fans, even as uncertainties over hosting arrangements continue to loom. This narrative of redemption and rivalry could make the 2025 Champions Trophy one of the most riveting editions of the tournament.