Delhi: Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has made a big revelation on the hybrid model adopted for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Akhtar says that this model had already been decided, whereas the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was presenting a false picture of opposition regarding it. Under this model, all India’s matches will be played in UAE, while the remaining matches will be held in Pakistan.
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Shoaib Akhtar’s sharp reaction
While talking to local media, Shoaib Akhtar described the position of PCB as weak. He said, “You are getting income and hosting rights, which is fine. But, Pakistan should have kept its position strong. If India was not coming, we should have got a larger share of the income. “This would have been a strong move.”
The former fast bowler also claimed that this model had already been decided and the PCB’s opposition was just a show. He said, “In reality the hybrid model was already decided. “The PCB should have taken a tougher stance to ensure better terms.”
‘Go to India and defeat them there’
Akhtar also suggested that the PCB should adopt a pragmatic approach with India. He said, “I have always believed that go to India and come back after defeating them. ‘Play in India and come back winning there.’ This will be the biggest answer for Pakistan.”
Why was the hybrid model adopted?
This model was introduced when the BCCI formally informed the ICC that the Indian team would not get government approval to play in Pakistan. After this, ICC supported the hybrid model due to security and political reasons. Although the PCB had initially demanded that the entire tournament be hosted in Pakistan, the board eventually accepted this model to avoid losing the hosting rights.
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