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Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria shared his opinion on the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025. Notably, the ICC approved the hybrid model for India-Pakistan matches in the forthcoming edition of the marquee tournament. Last week, the ICC executive board announced that India and Pakistan matches hosted by either country at ICC events in 2024-2027 cycle will be played at a neutral venue. Along with this, the PCB has also been awarded the hosting rights of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028, which will also be played at a neutral venue.
Dubai has been confirmed as the venue for India-Pak matches of the Champions Trophy 2025, which will be played from March 19 to March 9. The neighbouring nations and arch-rivals will play their match on February 23 at the Dubai International Stadium. The finale will also be played in Dubai, subject to India’s qualification. Former Pakistan cricketer Kaneria shared his opinion on the hybrid model of the Champions Trophy and said that ICC has handed Pakistan a ‘lollipop’.
They are illiterate, have been handed ‘lollipop’: Danish Kaneria
“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.
He added, “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.”
The former cricketer further said, “Everyone has security concerns. Whenever a team comes to Pakistan for an international match, they are provided with president-level security. This is necessary because there was an incident in the past that caused significant harm to Pakistan cricket and its players. International cricket in Pakistan had come to a halt. You have to think according to the demands of the situation, not act out of ego. If you do good, people will speak well of you.”
