Former Pakistan National Cricket Team player Danish Kaneria talked about the hybrid model being used for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He said that the Pakistan Cricket Board has been handed the ‘lollipop’ of the Women’s World Cup for accepting the two-nation formula for the tournament.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 matter has finally been resolved as the tournament will be played in a hybrid model. Apart from the games of India and one semi-final, all the other games in the event will be taking place in Pakistan across three venues.
India games, along with one semi-final, will be played in Dubai in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Also, if the Rohit Sharma-led side reaches the final of the tournament, then the summit clash will be played in Dubai and if India doesn’t reach the final, then it will be played in Pakistan.
To accept the hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan was told not to visit India for ICC events till 2027. Also, the Pakistan Cricket Board was given the hosting rights for the upcoming Women’s World Cup.
They’ve been handed the ‘lollipop’ of the Women’s World Cup – Danish Kaneria on PCB accepting hybrid model for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
While talking about the entire saga, Danish Kaneria feels that BCCI has found itself in a win-win situation. He called the people in Pakistan illiterate and said that they had been given lollipops. He also hoped for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to be conducted smoothly because of the situation in Pakistan. Speaking to IANS, he said:
“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.
“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 entire tournament will take place in Dubai – Danish Kaneria issues warning to PCB
Danish Kaneria further added that if both India and Pakistan reach the final then there will be other issues too. The former cricketer stressed that PCB should ensure that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is conducted smoothly. He believes that if something happens, the entire tournament will be taken to Dubai. He added:
“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.”
People are fans of Rohit (Sharma), Virat (Kohli), and (Jasprit) Bumrah – Danish Kaneria
Danish Kaneria also feels that the match between India and Pakistan will witness a lot of spectators because, according to him, fans will come to witness Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah.
He concluded by saying that if ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is hosted successfully then it will boost Pakistan cricket. He added:
“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.”
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