The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is in the headlines as it was scheduled to be held fully in Pakistan. However, BCCI have decided to not send the team to Pakistan for the tournament as they have not received the permission from the Indian Government due to security reasons. Hence, they proposed for a Hybrid model in which India’s matches would be held elsewhere and not in Pakistan. However, PCB were not agreeing to the demands and there was a recent ICC meeting held to fix the matter.
As per reports, the PCB have finally accepted the deal with certain conditions. They want more revenue from the ICC and also want a Hybrid model for all the ICC tournaments that India will host till 2031.
What did Shoaib Akhtar say?
Former Pakistani fast bowler, Shoaib Akhtar has agreed to the demand of PCB for higher revenue as the event is getting held in Hybrid model and Pakistan has to travel outside to play against India. However, he does not agree with PCB’s stance of not travelling to India for future ICC events till 2031. He wants PCB to build a team who will travel to India and beat them in their country.
“You are getting paid for hosting rights and revenue, and that’s fine-we all understand it. Pakistan’s stance is also reasonable. They should have maintained a strong position, why not? Once we are able to host the Champions Trophy in our country and they are unwilling to come, they should share the revenue with us at a higher rate. That’s a good call,” Akhtar said.
“In terms of playing in India in the future, we should extend a hand of friendship and go there. My belief has always been, go to India and defeat them there. India mein khelo aur wahi unhe maarke aao (play in India and beat them on their home ground). I understand that the hybrid model had already been signed earlier,” he added.
So, currently it stand that India will play all their matches in Dubai and the other matches will be held in Pakistan. If India qualifies for the semi-final, then they will play their match in Dubai as well. Moreover, if India qualifies for the final, then the final will also be held in Dubai or else it will be in Pakistan.
