With India reportedly unwilling to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025, the tournament’s future remains uncertain. However, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has urged the BCCI to reconsider this stance. Afridi believes India’s participation would not only strengthen cricketing relations between the two nations, but also provide Pakistani fans the chance to see star batter Virat Kohli in action.

Since 2013, India and Pakistan have not played in a single bilateral series. Last year, Pakistan traveled to India to participate in the 50-over World Cup. For an extended period, it was widely expected that India would reciprocate by touring Pakistan.

According to reports, India’s matches were initially planned to be held in Lahore, a city near the border. However, on Thursday, ANI reported that the BCCI is reluctant to send their team across the border. Instead, the BCCI has proposed a hybrid model, similar to the one used for the Asia Cup tournament last year.

Virat Kohli has played across the globe, with the notable exception of Pakistan. The prospect of Kohli playing in Pakistan has long been a source of excitement, given his massive fan following on the other side of the border. The last time the Indian team toured Pakistan was back in 2006, when Kohli was still two years away from making his debut.

“I welcome the arrival of the Indian team. Even when Pakistan toured India, we were shown great respect and affection. And when the Indian team visited in 2005-06, their players thoroughly enjoyed the experience. There is no better way to promote peace between India and Pakistan than for the two countries to host each other’s teams for cricket. If Virat Kohli were to visit Pakistan, he would be overwhelmed by the love and hospitality he receives and will forget the love he gets in India,” claimed Afridi.

“Virat’s retirement from T20I’s is indeed a loss. He brings a distinctive charm to the game. Despite being fit and in-form, his decision to step away is puzzling. His experience and guidance would have greatly benefited the younger players, providing a valuable mix of seasoned veterans and rising talent. Kohli’s ability to mentor and impart his cricket knowledge is unparalleled, and his continued involvement could have led to greater success for the team,” he continued.