Shoaib Akhtar’s ‘best revenge’ for Pakistan vs India amid hosting issues

Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has asked his national team to go to India and defeat them there amid Champions Trophy 2025 hosting controversy. Notably, India will not be travelling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 as the tournament is now likely to be held in a hybrid model with India playing their matches elsewhere.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have also reportedly put a condition that they also won’t travel to India for future ICC tournaments before accepting the hybrid model. However, the official announcement from the ICC (International Cricket Council) is yet to be released. Amid the ongoing controversy, Akhtar was happy with Pakistan’s stance on the matter and said that they should get higher revenue due to India’s reluctance.
“You are getting paid for hosting rights and revenue, and that’s fine-we all understand it. Pakistan’s stance is also reasonable. They should have maintained a strong position, why not? Once we are able to host the Champions Trophy in our country and they are unwilling to come, they should share the revenue with us at a higher rate. That’s a good call,” Akhtar said on a Pakistan News Channel.
Further speaking ahead, the former speedster encouraged Pakistan to travel to India in future and beat them in their own backyard.
“In terms of playing in India in the future, we should extend a hand of friendship and go there. My belief has always been, go to India and defeat them there. India mein khelo aur wahi unhe maarke aao (play in India and beat them on their home ground). I understand that the hybrid model had already been signed earlier,” he added.
India and Pakistan don’t hold bilateral cricketing relations since 2012-13 when Pakistan came to India for a limited over series. India last travelled to Pakistan to play in the Asia Cup 2008 and hasn’t travelled the country since then. However, Pakistan have continuously visited India for ICC events and also travelled to the country for the ODI World Cup 2023.