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The long-standing debate surrounding the hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has finally been resolved. The tournament will be played under a hybrid model, with the majority of matches taking place in Pakistan across three venues. However, all of India's matches, including one semi-final, will be held in Dubai.
PCB has been handed the 'lollipop' of the Women's World Cup: Danish Kaneria
Meanwhile, former Pakistani cricketer Danish Kaneria feels Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have been handed a 'lollipop' of hosting the Women's World Cup in exchange for accepting this hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025. If the Rohit Sharma-led Team qualifies for the final, it will also be held in Dubai. Otherwise, the final will be played in Pakistan. This hybrid model aims to address the concerns of all parties involved while ensuring the successful staging of the prestigious tournament.
The hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was agreed upon after a series of negotiations. Pakistan will not travel to India for ICC events until 2027. Not just this, PCB has been granted the hosting rights for the upcoming Women's World Cup too.
Kaneria expressed concerns regarding the potential security challenges in Pakistan, raising questions about the smooth conduct of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He shared these views in an interview with IANS.
"The BCCI has found itself in a win-win situation. Here in Pakistan, I'm also hearing people say that 'we've fought and won this', but they're illiterate. They've been handed the 'lollipop' of the Women's World Cup. From the beginning, I felt that the hybrid model would be the only solution because, in this situation, there's no other option," Kaneria told IANS.
"Pakistan has said that they won't go to India to play, but only time will tell. The country is currently facing an unstable situation. If something happens with the other teams, then what will happen? The entire tournament might shift to Dubai. Everyone has family concerns, and we should respect that. Given the current situation, let's hope that the tournament goes smoothly under the hybrid model," he added.
Kaneria didn't stop here as he went on to talk about potential complexities arising from the hybrid model. He said that if both India and Pakistan reach the final, logistical and security challenges could arise.
"The interesting part is that if both India and Pakistan reach the final, then it will have to be played in Dubai, right? That will raise another issue: if you can play the final in Dubai, then what's the problem with playing the games in India? Looking at the circumstances, they need to ensure that the situation in Pakistan remains stable. Teams are coming here and playing matches. It shouldn't happen that other teams raise questions and the entire tournament will take place in Dubai," Kaneria further said.
Kaneria believes the India-Pakistan match will be a major draw, attracting large crowds eager to witness the talents of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah.
"The entire stadium and even the roads would be packed with people. Because people are fans of Rohit (Sharma), Virat (Kohli), and (Jasprit) Bumrah. The younger generation is emulating these players,"
"International cricket has already revived in Pakistan. Now, Pakistan should focus on the Champions Trophy instead of dwelling on other matters. If this tournament turns out to be successful, it will be very beneficial for Pakistan cricket and the youth. It will boost Pakistan cricket even more, but there's still a long way to go," former Pakistan's ace spinner concluded.
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