Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has kicked up a storm by stating that the hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was decided long before the recent controversies over the host for the event. This comes at a time when disagreements have been arising over the participation of the Indian team in the tournament, after the BCCI didn’t allow the squad to play in Pakistan reportedly due to security issues.
The Ongoing Champions Trophy Controversy
The last month has been all about the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and it is mainly because of the disagreement between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and BCCI. The row went a notch higher when the BCCI told the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the Indian team would not be going to Pakistan due to security reasons, and now the hosting of the event remains uncertain.
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Hybrid Model pehle decide ho gaya tha. Shoaib Akhtar
VC PTV sports official pic.twitter.com/6nZEthwHH3— iffi Raza (@Rizzvi73) December 1, 2024
It has been reported that, in an emergency meeting held on November 29, 2024, in Dubai, the PCB delegation spent only 15 minutes on the issue of hosting the entire tournament at a venue in Pakistan, with the PCB agreeing on a hybrid model for this event. The compromise had apparently been made under a condition that all future events up to 2031 by the ICC would adopt the hybrid model.
Akhtar’s Revealing Claim
Shoaib Akhtar, speaking on a Pakistani media channel, provided a detailed perspective on the matter. While acknowledging Pakistan’s position on the Champions Trophy 2025, he also made a bombshell claim. Akhtar revealed that the hybrid model had already been pre-signed, even before the ongoing debate unfolded. He suggested that discussions surrounding the venue were more about formalising a decision that had already been made.
Akhtar further emphasised his belief in extending a “hand of friendship” toward India, suggesting that Pakistan should embrace the challenge of playing in India and beating the host nation on their own turf. His words hinted at a desire for mutual cooperation despite the current tensions surrounding the tournament’s venue.
PCB’s Stance on Hosting Rights
The former cricketer also expressed support for the PCB’s position on the issue. Akhtar acknowledged the importance of hosting rights and the revenue Pakistan stood to gain from holding the tournament. However, he also believed that Pakistan had the right to demand a fair share of the profits, especially if India chose to play their matches in a neutral venue like Dubai.
“Their stance is reasonable,” said Shoaib Akhtar, referring to the PCB’s decision to push for more revenue if India decides not to travel to Pakistan. Akhtar suggested that if Pakistan was willing to host the entire event and India chose to play in Dubai, then the financial burden should be shared more equally.
What’s Next for the Hybrid Model?
If the hybrid model is implemented, India will play all of their matches in Dubai, while the remaining games will be held in Pakistan. While the arrangement appears to be a compromise, it has sparked concerns about the financial and logistical implications for both cricket boards involved.
As the situation unfolds, many are watching closely to see if this hybrid model will be the final resolution or if further disputes will arise between the ICC, PCB, and BCCI. For now, it remains clear that the 2025 Champions Trophy will take place under highly unusual and complex circumstances.
