Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar reckons they should travel to India despite the PCB wanting a hybrid model for the future ICC events in India due to the deadlock for the Champions Trophy 2025 venue. The retired cricketer believes Pakistan should play in India and they should go with the sole purpose of beating the arch-rivals in their backyard.
With both India and Pakistan not budging from their stance, reports suggest that a hybrid model is set to break the deadlock. While Pakistan will host the Champions Trophy, India are likely to play their games in Dubai. Nevertheless, the ICC is yet to make an official announcement of the schedule.
Speaking to PTV Sports, former Pakistan tearaway pacer Shoaib Akhtar shared his views on the matter. Akhtar emphasized the importance of safeguarding Pakistan’s interests in hosting rights and revenues. ‘Aapko hosting cost ke paise mil rahe hain aur revenue generation ke upar paisa mil raha hai, which is fine. Pakistan ka stance bhi theek tha apni jagah, ek stiff stance rakhna chahiye tha. Why not? Once you are able to host the Champions Trophy in your country, they should share the revenue with us at a higher rate. That’s a good call.”
(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? If we are hosting the Champions Trophy and India is unwilling to come, they should share the revenue with us at a higher rate. That’s a good call).
The 49-year-old further elaborated on Pakistan’s approach to playing in India, suggesting a balanced stance.
In times to come, hum dosti ka haath zaroor badhaayenge aur dil bada karke bataayenge ki hum aa gaye hain. Mera yehi hai ki India mein jaake India ko haraao. India se khelo aur wahin pe maarke aao. It’s very simple. Mohsin is a great guy, there’s no question about it. Unki attention aapne dekh hee li. Stadium tayaar ho rahe hain, ho jaayenge in time. Main toh aaj tak believe nahin kar paaya ki itni jaldi kaise tayyar kar lenge. But again unka ek stance tha perseverance thi. Thik hai, par I understand ki hybrid model pehle hee sign ho chuka tha.
(In terms of playing in India in the future, we should extend a hand of friendship and go there. My belief has always been to go to India and defeat them on their home ground. Play in India and beat them there. I understand that the hybrid model had already been signed earlier)
Champions Trophy Hybrid Model Pattern
The BCCI had previously refused to send its players to Pakistan, citing security concerns. As per reports, group-stage matches will be held in Pakistan, while the India matches will be held in Dubai including one of the knockout stages and the final will move to Dubai if India qualifies. However, if India does not make it to the knockout stages, the matches will be played in Pakistan.
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, marks the return of the tournament after its last edition in 2017 in England, where Pakistan defeated India in the final to clinch the title.
