Former Pakistan national cricket team player Danish Kaneria spoke about the hybrid model used for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He said the Pakistan Cricket Board was given the “lollipop” of the Women's World Cup for accepting the two-nation format for the tournament .
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 issue has finally been resolved as the tournament will be played in a hybrid model. Apart from the games in India and one semi-final, all other games of the event will be played in Pakistan across three venues.
India's matches along with a semi-final will be played in Dubai in ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Also, if the Rohit Sharma-led team reaches the final of the tournament then the summit clash will be played in Dubai and if India fails to reach the final , then it will be played in Pakistan.
To accept the hybrid model for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, Pakistan was told not to visit India for ICC events until 2027. The Pakistan Cricket Board was also awarded the hosting rights for the upcoming Women's World Cup.
Handed Women's World Cup 'lollipop' – Danish Kaneria on PCB accepts hybrid model for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
While talking about the entire saga, Danish Kaneria feels that the BCCI has found itself in a win-win situation. He called the people of Pakistan illiterate and said they were given lollipops. He also hoped that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 would go ahead without any problems due to the situation in Pakistan. Speaking to IANS, he said:
“The BCCI has found itself in a win-win situation. Here in Pakistan I also hear people saying “we fought and won this” but they are illiterate. They were given the “lollipop” of the Women's World Cup From the beginning we felt that the hybrid model would be the only solution because, in this situation, there is no other option.
“Pakistan has said that they will not go to India to play, but only time will tell. The country is currently facing an unstable situation. If something happens to the other teams, then what will happen? The whole tournament could be moved in Dubai Everyone has family concerns and we should respect that, given the current situation, let's hope the tournament runs smoothly under the hybrid model.
Entire tournament to be held in Dubai – Danish Kaneria warns PCB
Danish Kaneria added that if both India and Pakistan reach the final, then there will be other problems. The former cricketer stressed that the PCB should ensure that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 runs smoothly. He believes that if anything happens, the entire tournament will be taken to Dubai. He added:
“The interesting part is, if both India and Pakistan make it to 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 the game. in India?
“Looking at the circumstances, they have to ensure that the situation in Pakistan remains stable. Teams come here and play matches. It should not happen that other teams ask questions and the entire tournament will be held in Dubai.”
People are fans of Rohit (Sharma), Virat (Kohli) and (Jasprit) Bumrah – Danish Kaneria
Danish Kaneria also believes that the match between India and Pakistan will witness a huge crowd because according to him, the fans will come to root for Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah.
He concluded by saying that if ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is successfully hosted then it will boost Pakistan cricket. He added:
“The whole stadium and even the roads would be full of people. Because people are fans of Rohit (Sharma), Virat (Kohli) and (Jasprit) Bumrah. The younger generation emulates 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 a success, it will be very beneficial for Pakistan cricket and the youth. It will boost Pakistan. even more cricket, but there is still a long way to go.”