Former Pakistan star Shoaib Akhtar has made a stunning statement accusing the BJP of not sending the Indian team to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy . Akhtar, in a clip shared by him on social space, reckons it is not BCCI, but the BJP government that is creating all the problem. The uncertainty over the tournament is growing each day. There is still no confirmation about will Pakistan accept the ‘hybrid’ model or not. 

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‘It’s nothing to do with the BCCI’

“It’s really up to the governments. It’s nothing to do with the BCCI. It is up to the BJP government. They will decide,” Shoaib Akhtar said.

“There will be back channel talks. Even in days of war, then two things will happen: Pakistan will lose about 100 million dollars of the sponsorship that will go to ICC and the hope. We have to look forward to a solution. We know a fact that 95-98 per cent of sponsorship for ICC comes from India.

“If Pakistan fails to convince India to come to Pakistan, then two things will happen: Pakistan will lose about 100 million dollars of the sponsorship that will go to ICC and the host country will earn. Second, it would be better if India comes and plays in Pakistan. But it’s really, really up to the government. It has nothing to do with BCCI,” Akhtar added further. 

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ICC STANCE

As per multiple reports, Pakistan has asked the ICC for an explanation on why India is reluctant to travel across the border. Also, the ICC is expected to announce the schedule of the Champions Trophy by the end of the week. Back channel talks are on to convince PCB to accept the ‘hybrid’ model.