Shahid Afridi on Champion’s Trophy 2025: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has supported the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for not accepting the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan next year. Afridi has accused the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of ‘linking politics with sports’ and has called on the ICC to ‘maintain impartiality and assert its rights’. The ICC Board meeting is going to be held today, Friday, to decide the schedule of this big tournament.
BCCI has told ICC that due to lack of permission from the Indian government, the Indian team will not go to Pakistan for the tournament. However, the PCB is reluctant to host the entire tournament in Pakistan, leaving the future of the Champions Trophy uncertain.
Afridi said that Pakistan has visited India five times since the Mumbai terror attacks. Afridi wrote on Twitter (x), “By mixing politics with sports, BCCI has put international cricket at risk. I fully support the PCB’s stance against the hybrid model – especially when Pakistan (despite security concerns) is 26. “Having toured India five times since 2011, including a bilateral white-ball series, it is time for the ICC and its board of directors to maintain impartiality and assert their authority.”
The Champions Trophy is to be held at three venues in Pakistan in February and March next year. But India, which has not toured Pakistan since 2008, told the BCCI that its government has not given them permission to travel to Pakistan for the event earlier this month. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqui (Mohsin Naqui on Champion’s Trophy 2025) has insisted that the PCB’s view regarding hosting the Champions Trophy is “clear”, and added that
“It is not possible for Pakistan to play in India, and they should not come here”. During a press conference held at Gaddafi Stadium, Naqvi said, “Our stand is very clear. I promise that we will do the best for Pakistan cricket. I am in constant touch with the ICC Chairman and my team is constantly talking to him.” We are still clear on our stand that it is not acceptable for them to play cricket here, it will be on the basis of equality. and what follows Will also happen, we will let you know.” Naqvi said several times, “Whatever we do, we will ensure that the best outcome for Pakistan is achieved.” He said, “But I repeat and I am sure you understand what I mean, it is not possible that Pakistan plays in India and they do not come here.”
