A recent development in the cricket world has brought an end to the ongoing controversy surrounding the Champions Trophy 2025. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have reached an agreement on a hybrid model for the tournament. As a result, the Champions Trophy will be held at neutral venues, excluding Pakistan. This decision means that the Indian cricket team will play all their matches, including the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match, at a neutral venue.
The agreement has sparked mixed reactions, with some hailing it as a victory for the BCCI, while others believe that the PCB has benefited more from the deal. Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has expressed his thoughts on the matter, stating that the PCB has missed a golden opportunity to host the Indian cricket team by agreeing to the hybrid model.
A Missed Opportunity for PCB
Shehzad shared his views on the development, stating that the PCB had a chance to host the Indian cricket team, which could have been a significant milestone for the country. He emphasized that all cricket boards had signed an agreement in 2021, confirming that Pakistan would host the Champions Trophy. According to Shehzad, the ICC could not have backed down from this agreement, and the PCB should have taken advantage of the opportunity.
A Unique Solution Proposed by Shehzad
Shehzad also proposed an innovative idea to resolve the issue of hosting matches between India and Pakistan. He suggested building a stadium on the border of both countries, with separate gates for players from each nation. However, he acknowledged that even this solution would not be without its challenges, as players would still require visas to enter the opposing country’s territory.