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Amid the ongoing fiasco around the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, former Pakistan cricketer and speedster Shoaib Akhtar has finally broken his silence, lashing out at how the saga has laid out. Although, several reports have informed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already accepted the hybrid model after the International Cricket Council (ICC) enforced a tough call, Akhtar has shared his opinions on the matter while taking an explosive take.
Akhtar, who was speaking to a Pakistani news channel, did not seem in line with how the Champions Trophy talks have progressed, but stood firm on PCB’s stance of demanding a higher share of revenue since the tournament now moves to a hybrid model.
Wahin unhe maarke aao: Shoaib Akhtar on Champions Trophy row
The 49-year-old when asked about his stance on the ongoing Champions Trophy saga, said, “You are getting paid for hosting rights and revenue, and that’s fine - we all understand it. Pakistan’s stance is also reasonable. They should have maintained a strong position, why not? Once we are able to host the Champions Trophy in our country and they are unwilling to come, they should share the revenue with us at a higher rate. That’s good call.”
However, in another move, he added that Pakistan should continue to travel to India despite India’s decision to not tour Pakistan, and give them an answer in their own backyard by beating them. “In terms of playing in India in future, we should extend a hand of friendship and go there. My belief has always been, go to India and defeat them there. India mein khelo aur wahil unke maarke aao. I understand that the hybrid model had already been signed earlier,” he added.
Watch Shoaib Akhtar’s explosive take on Champions Trophy 2025 row:
According to the latest developments, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly willing to accept India’s hybrid model request to host the ICC Champions Trophy, wherein the latter would play its matches of the tournament at a neutral venue, but on certain conditions. It is understood that the agreement between all the parties is conditional on the International Cricket Council (ICC) implementing the same hybrid model whenever India’s hosts a tournament until 2031.
