Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has made a bizarre claim that star India batter Virat Kohli would be dying to play in Pakistan. Notably, India have denied travelling to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.

Shoaib Akhtar has now claimed that the BCCI and Virat Kohli want to play in Pakistan, as the TV and sponsorship rights would go off the roof if it happens.

Just hours after PCB accepted BCCI and ICC's demand, Akhtar also claimed the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy was already agreed upon. He urged Pakistan to maintain cordial cricketing relations with India. This claim came before it was revealed that PCB had already consented to this model well in advance.

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) continue to tussle over the Champions Trophy that will be played next year. The upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy will be hosted by the PCB,

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar believes India and their talisman Virat Kohli will be more desperate to play in Pakistan than the hosts themselves for television and sponsorship reasons.

Shoaib Akhtar believes India is more eager to play in Pakistan than vice versa, emphasizing that Virat Kohli is particularly keen. Despite the ICC Champions Trophy matches being relocated to Dubai for Indian teams,

The BCCI has said that the Indian cricket team won't be travelling to Pakistan, the designated hosts of the 2025 Champions Trophy, after not getting clearance

Shoaib Akhtar's statement came hours after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) gave in to BCCI and ICC's demand on Champions Trophy

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam is experiencing a significant decline in form across cricket formats over the past year. Struggling to maintain his performance in Tests and ODIs, he faces scrutiny ahead of next year's Champions Trophy.

BCCI has refused to send Indian team to Pakistan for the next year's Champions Trophy with ICC suggesting PCB to host the tournament in hybrid model.