ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Kamran Akmal accuses BCCI of fabricating security concerns to avoid Pakistan visit

In a fiery outburst, former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has brutally criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for refusing to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Despite the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) extending an invitation, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has pointed to security concerns as the primary reason behind their decision not to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan for the prestigious tournament.

Kamran Akmal calls BCCI's security concerns over Pakistan unjustified amid Champions Trophy 2025 row

Reacting to the news, Kamran Akmal accused India of using security issues as an excuse to avoid traveling to Pakistan. He said that the Champions Trophy 2025 belongs to Pakistan, and it is unfair to keep bringing up security concerns when there is no reason to believe there is any threat.

Kamran Akmal was quoted as saying by Sports Tak, “Team India should come to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy as there is no security concern in the neighboring country.”

Read Also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Hybrid Model accepted in Pakistan with a conditional clause

The decision by the BCCI has sparked controversy, with the Pakistan Cricket Board seeking urgent clarification from the International Cricket Council (ICC) on why India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 to be held in February-March next year.

The future of India’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 depends on diplomatic discussions, with Akmal calling for both boards, PCB and BCCI, to put the game above politics.

Pakistan seeks substantial evidence supporting BCCI's reasons

Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has formally requested a written explanation from the BCCI regarding its decision to withdraw the Indian team from the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

According to Geo News, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has asked the ICC to share a copy of the BCCI's response for further clarification. The PCB will take a final decision about India after reviewing those reasons.

Sources told Geo News, “In case of receiving a written reply, Pakistan may seek substantial evidence supporting the reasons.”

Read Also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan's hosting rights in jeopardy? Jay Shah orders strict action over 'PoK' controversy

On the other hand, the BCCI has raised concerns over the PCB’s plan to include locations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as part of the Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour. According to reports, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has formally addressed the issue with the ICC.

The Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour canceled in PoK

Earlier, the PCB had announced that the trophy tour would visit Skardu, Murree, and Muzaffarabad, all of which are situated in the disputed PoK region. It is being said that the trophy tour has been canceled in the cities located in the disputed region of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Notably, India and Pakistan have not played bilateral cricket since their last series in India in 2012-13. The last time India visited Pakistan was in 2008 for the Asia Cup, and following the tragic 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai in the same year, India has not toured Pakistan since.

Now, India and Pakistan face each other only in the multination event. However, Pakistan visited India for the 2016 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup.