NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has voiced his thoughts on the ongoing discussions surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be hosted by Pakistan.
In a recent video, Akhtar provided a balanced perspective, acknowledging both Pakistan’s stance and the broader implications of the situation.
“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 remarked.
However, he emphasized the need for Pakistan to adopt a positive approach, particularly regarding their participation in future tournaments in India.
“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.
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Akhtar’s comments come as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently agreed to a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy, where India’s matches will be played in Dubai.
While this compromise allowed Pakistan to retain hosting rights, the PCB has also presented demands to the ICC, including equal terms for hybrid models in future ICC tournaments held in India.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi reiterated the need for a fair system, stating, “It shouldn’t be that we travel to India and they don’t come to our country.”
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