“I think whatever I read there are positive vibes from [the] Government of India and [the] BCCI,” said Akram. “I also read somewhere that they are likely to play all their matches in Lahore. They will probably come to Lahore and leave [back] same night. I’m all for it as long as India is comfortable.

“And I can promise you, they [are] will be looked after fantastically well. I mean, Indian cricketers like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, [Hardik] Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, they have fans in Pakistan. The young cricket fans love them.”

Speaking ahead of Pakistan’s six-match ODI and T20I tour of Australia that begins on Monday, Akram hoped that India would come to Pakistan to win the Champions Trophy.

“People-to-people contact is very important in this day and age,” he said. “In this age of social media, there is so much negativity all over the world, unnecessary negativity in my opinion, and I think if India come, it will be great for cricket and of course it will be great for Pakistan as well. “

India have not played an international in Pakistan since 2008 and the United Arab Emirates is thought to be the most likely – but not only – alternative venue if any part of the Champions Trophy is moved out. The BCCI did not send a team to Pakistan last year for the Asia Cup, which meant the tournament was moved to a hybrid model, with the latter stages being played in Sri Lanka.

But Pakistan traveled to India right after that for the 2023 ODI World Cup where they missed out on a semi-final spot.

The Champions Trophy will feature eight teams, with two groups of four, followed by semi-finals and a final. The competing teams are Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa.