Former Pakistani paceman Shoaib Akhtar is not in line with the manner the ICC Champions Trophy saga has gone on. A hybrid model has been signed by all the parties, but some demands from the PCB have to be met for them to approve. The PCB as the hosts for the tournament was very adamant on having the entire tournament in Pakistan but now after meetings with ICC, their position has softened. The PCB reportedly that for all ICC events organized in India, they should also be organized in a hybrid model.
Akhtar speaking to the Pakistani channel seems to agree to the PCB’s demand which is for increased revenues since now this tournament is going to be held in a hybrid model.
However, above all, Akhtar doesn’t seem really convinced with the board’s stance of not traveling to India for future ICC events. “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 a good call,” said Akhtar.
“And I think they should send the team to India for ICC events in the future, but perhaps strategically build the team so that they could defeat India on Indian soil,” said Akhtar.
“In terms of playing in India in the 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 wahi unhe maarke aao (play in India and beat them on their home ground). I understand that the hybrid model had already been signed earlier,” he added
The most recent gossip making rounds in the Champions Trophy controversy claims that the matches of India will be played in Dubai, while one of the semi-finals (in case India makes it) along with the final (again in case India makes it) will also be in Dubai. If India is unable to make it to the knockouts, then both semi-finals and the final will be played in Pakistan.
