India and Pakistan have not played bilateral cricket matches for over a decade, with their contests limited to ICC tournaments or continental events. The cricketing world is now facing another impasse, with both nations taking opposing stances regarding the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. Former Pakistani cricketer Kamran Akmal has proposed a bold solution to end the ongoing stalemate.
Key Takeaways
- Former cricketer Kamran Akmal called for a halt to India-Pakistan matches in ICC events until bilateral ties resume.
- The Champions Trophy 2025 faces uncertainty as BCCI has refused to play in Pakistan.
- Pakistan has called out India’s “double standards”, urging ICC for a fair resolution.
- The last bilateral series occurred in 2012-13, and both nations have only met in ICC tournaments since.
Kamran Akmal’s Stand: A Call for Action by ICC
Akmal has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to stop scheduling India-Pakistan matches in multi-nation tournaments unless the two countries resume bilateral cricket ties. He argued this move could push both boards to resolve their differences.
In an interview, Akmal suggested a “hybrid model” for future ICC events if India continues to refuse tours to Pakistan. He proposed the same pattern be applied for Pakistan in tournaments hosted by India.
“The ICC must make a decision,” Akmal said. He emphasized finding a permanent solution to avoid repeating the current conflicts in future tournaments.
The Champions Trophy 2025 Controversy
The Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan, has become a focal point of disagreement. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has refused to participate, citing the lack of Indian government approval.
Pakistan’s Cricket Board (PCB) opposed a hybrid model where India’s matches would be held outside Pakistan. This disagreement resulted in a virtual ICC Board meeting ending abruptly in just 15 minutes.
Akmal believes Pakistan should take a firm stand, similar to their earlier position during the Asia Cup 2023, which was played in a hybrid model.
Double Standards and Diplomatic Challenges
Akmal labeled India’s policy of not touring Pakistan but participating in matches held in India as “double standards”. He criticized this approach, stating it created a sense of unfairness and did not help diplomatic or cricketing relations.
Pakistan previously complied with India’s demands, such as the 2016 T20 World Cup match being shifted from Dharamshala to Kolkata and participating in last year’s World Cup in Ahmedabad despite reservations. However, Akmal argued it was now time for Pakistan to take strong, consistent decisions to improve its image internationally.
Historical Context of India-Pakistan Cricket
The last bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan occurred in 2012-13, when Pakistan toured India for a white-ball series. Since then, political tensions have restricted cricketing ties, particularly after the Mumbai terror attacks.
India and Pakistan have not co-hosted or toured each other for ICC events since 1996. While Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup 2023 in a hybrid model, this precedent has now led to further complications for the Champions Trophy.
What’s Next for India-Pakistan Cricket?
The ICC faces immense pressure to resolve the ongoing conflict before the Champions Trophy. Akmal suggested that if a solution is not reached, the ICC should exclude Indo-Pak matches entirely until bilateral ties resume.
This decision could lead to significant changes in future tournaments, potentially avoiding last-minute disruptions. It could also incentivize both boards to find a long-term solution to their political and cricketing differences.
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