Confusion surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy venue has yet to be resolved as Pakistan’s former captain Shahid Afridi shares his thoughts on India’s stance of not playing in Pakistan, Express News reported.
While being interviewed on a podcast, Afridi emphasised the importance of fostering a positive environment in cricket, referencing interviews with former Indian cricketers. “If you watch interviews of old Indian players, they have created a good atmosphere. Cricketers want to play cricket,” Afridi stated.
However, Afridi expressed concern over the political influences impacting the sport, adding that, “I don’t know what kind of politics is at play, but the game is the one suffering,” he added.
The former all-rounder urged the PCB to take a firm stand. “If the Indian team refuses to come to Pakistan for any ICC event, you should also decline. If you’re going to refuse, then do it and make the world aware,” Afridi advised.
Yesterday, Indian media reported that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has agreed to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) proposed hybrid model for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy but any official verdict is yet to be announced by the ICC.
According to the report, the BCCI has conveyed its approval of the hybrid model to the ICC, ensuring that India’s matches in the Champions Trophy will be held at a neutral venue.
Under this arrangement, India will not visit Pakistan for the tournament, and similarly, Pakistan will not play in India until 2027. This agreement is expected to apply to all ICC events, including the Champions Trophy, the 2026 Women’s World Cup, and the T20 World Cup.
