Pakistani cricket legend Younis Khan has asked Indian batting superstar, Virat Kohli, to come over to Pakistan and play in the forthcoming Champions Trophy 2025. Pakistan is suppose to host the event but it is uncertain as to whether India will be involve or not because the BCCI is adamant on not sending their players for matches in Pakistan.
Younis stated that the only goal left for Kohli in his career was to come to Pakistan and perform there. Although he traveled with India U-19 team to Pakistan in 2006, Kohli has never played with the senior Indian national team in that country.
However, he has had several encounters with Pakistan at various ICC tournaments and boasts a fine record against them.
“Virat Kohli yahan pe aayein aur aake wo waise hi perform kare. Ek feather reh gaya hai unke career mein ki unhone Pakistan mai nahi khela. Agar wo aayenge toh hum sabko bohot acha lagega (Virat Kohli should come to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, it’s our wish too. I think the only thing left in Kohli’s career is to tour Pakistan and perform in Pakistan),” Younis told News24.
Since then, there have been no bilateral cricket series between India and her neighbor after a short visit by Pakistan limited over side. The longest they have gone without playing test cricket was during Pakistan’s visit of India back in 2007.
There are even doubts about India taking part in this year’s Champions Trophy as speculations are rife that Men In Blue want their games played outside of their neighbor country.
PCB has put the ball on ICC’s court asking them to persuade BCCI so that they could send their players for participation of champions trophy next year which will start early January.
During recent ICC meetings held at Colombo, the budget for Champions Trophy, which will kick off in the first months of next year, was approved but no mention of schedule and format.
The PCB is now through as far as hosting the event is concerned. The board has submitted a draft schedule and format for the event as well as prepared a budget for it,” said a PCB insider.
“The PCB has done its work by providing a rough schedule and format along with its proposed budget. It is now up to the ICC how soon they circulate, discuss and finalize the schedule of the Champions Trophy. The PCB for its part in the draft schedule has suggested hosting all of India’s games in Lahore including a semi-final (if India qualifies) and final,” he said.
