pc: cricketaddictor
Former Pakistan captain and veteran all-rounder Shahid Afridi has made a scathing attack on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the drama of ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The veteran cricketer accused the Indian Cricket Board of endangering international cricket by “mixing politics with sports”.
Shahid Afridi, who is known for his outspoken nature, has strongly opposed the hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which has led to a turf war between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The legendary all-rounder has further argued that the decision to shift India's matches away from Pakistan will be a direct effect of political interference by the Indian government, which will ultimately dilute the spirit of the game.
Furthermore, Shahid Afridi expressed his unwavering support for the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) stance against the hybrid model, exposing the hypocrisy of the situation. He pointed out that despite security concerns, Pakistan has visited India several times since the 26/11 attacks, including bilateral white ball series.
But India has consistently refused to cross the border, and due to this, Pakistan had to host the Asia Cup 2023 in a hybrid model, with the Men in Green playing their games in Sri Lanka. And now BCCI wants the same arrangement for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 citing security concerns, which is completely unfair.
The former all-rounder has also called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) and its board of directors to take a tough stance and uphold the principles of fairness in cricket, warning that allowing such political influence is detrimental to the future of the game. Would set a dangerous example.
pc: cricketaddictor
Shahid Afridi posted on his X handle on Thursday: “By mixing politics with sports, BCCI has put international cricket in a precarious position. I fully support the PCB's stance against the hybrid model – especially when Pakistan (despite security concerns) has toured India five times since 26/11, including bilateral white-ball series. “Now is the time for the ICC and its Board of Directors to maintain impartiality and assert their authority.”
Hybrid format is the best option to resolve India-Pakistan dispute: ICC
The ICC is all set to hold an online meeting on Friday, November 29 to decide the fate of the eight-nation tournament, and the PCB is said to have agreed on the hybrid model, but there was no confirmation regarding the same. Is. However, ICC has left only one option with Pakistan regarding the event.
An ICC source told PTI news agency, “At this time, the hybrid format is the best option. We hope that all parties involved will take a sensible decision in the interest of the tournament. Holding the tournament without India and Pakistan will be detrimental to the tournament. It's not good for you.”
Notably, Reliance and Star Sports have recently joined hands to form a new entity named 'JioStar'. As a result of this merger, while the hosting rights for ICC tournaments will remain with Star Sports, the 2025 Champions Trophy will be the first major event to be broadcast under the 'GioStar' brand.
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