Former Pakistan cricketers Javed Miandad, Wasim Bari, Iqbal Qasim and Moin Khan expressed their satisfaction after a major breakthrough in the long-running dispute to host the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that India will play all its matches in the tournament at a neutral venue, while Pakistan will also play its games at neutral venues during ICC events hosted by India until the current cycle ends in 2027.
This announcement came as a big relief after months of uncertainty over the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Reacting to the solution, former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad praised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for taking a sensitive approach to the situation.
PCB has won more than BCCI in ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Javed Miandad
The legendary cricketer pointed out that the PCB has gained much more than the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) by seeking a mutual solution rather than escalating tensions with the ICC. Miandad also emphasized the importance of Pakistan hosting the Champions Trophy and said PCB's victory sent a strong message to the BCCI and India.
Also Read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India vs Pakistan match date revealed
Javed Miandad was quoted by PTI as saying, “I think the PCB has taken a sensible approach and instead of doing something untoward and facing isolation in the ICC and among other cricketing nations, they have opted for a solution where I think the PCB he earned more. than BCCI. However, Pakistan is hosting a big event after a very long time and we have sent a clear message that if you don't come to play in our country, we will not play in India either.”
Meanwhile, former Pakistan captains Wasim Bari and Moin Khan also hailed the breakthrough in the 2025 Champions Trophy contest between Pakistan and India. Bari said he can now only imagine how he would have received the warm welcome and hospitality from the Indian players and fans had he visited Pakistan for the prestigious tournament.
Wasim Bari and Moin Khan praise the PCB for securing a neutral arrangement with the BCCI
Wasim Bari said: “I can only imagine the warm welcome and hospitality the players and their fans would receive in Pakistan.”
On the other hand, Moin Khan, another former Pakistan captain, said that securing the right to host another ICC event is a significant achievement for Pakistan cricket. He said, “If the PCB has managed to host another ICC event, it is good news for Pakistan cricket.”
Finally, former Pakistan spinner Iqbal Qasim praised the PCB for successfully negotiating a compromise between the ICC and the BCCI. He acknowledged the power and financial strength of BCCI but Pakistan managed to get a fair arrangement this time and that is a big win for them.
This time our board won something against the mighty BCCI: Iqbal Qasim
Iqbal Qasim was quoted by PTI as saying, “BCCI is a very powerful and financially influential board. But unlike last year's Asian Cup, this time our board took a stand and won something. The main thing is that we are hosting the tournament and also we will not go to India now to play in ICC events. Both teams will now play at neutral venues.”
Notably, the merger formula will be in place for the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, next year's Women's Cricket World Cup in India and the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.