Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar made a strong remark on the ICC Champions Trophy, saying that the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy was already decided. In this model, India’s all matches will be played in the UAE, whereas the remaining matches will be hosted by Pakistan. The hybrid model was put forward after the BCCI told the ICC that the Indian government did not give clearance to the Indian team to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy tournament. Earlier, PCB stood firm on their decision of not shifting the tournament to a hybrid model, but as of now, they gave it up after the reports were coming in that they would lose the hosting rights if they wouldn’t agree to it.
In a recent interview, Shoaib Akhtar shared his views on PCB’s stance, stating that it is reasonable, and gave an unbiased opinion on the hybrid model.
“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.”
“India mein khelo aur wahi unhe maarke aao.” - Shoaib Akhtar
Further, he said that in terms of playing in India in the future, Pakistan should extend a hand of friendship and go there. He believes that the Pakistan team should go to India and defeat them there at their home.
“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.”
According to the reports, in exchange for accepting the ICC and BCCI's demands regarding the Champions Trophy, the body was required to put the hybrid model in place for every upcoming multi-nation tournament that India will host until 2031.