Pakistan's previous players expressed pleasure after the ICC broke the deadlock in the Champions Trophy 2025, with India playing all of the mega event's matches at a neutral location rather than the host country under a reciprocal arrangement.
In return, Pakistan will also play all its games in ICC events hosted by India at a neutral venue until the ongoing cycle ends in 2027.
Due to security concerns, India refused to travel to Pakistan for the scheduled tournament in February-March. Since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, India has not played in a bilateral series with Pakistan, barring one in 2012-13.
"I think the PCB took the sensible approach and instead of doing something rash and facing isolation in the ICC and among other cricket nations, it opted for a solution where I think the PCB has gained more than the BCCI," said Javed Miandad to PTI.
He added that he was earlier hoping that India would agree to play their matches in Pakistan.
"Still Pakistan is hosting a big event after a very long time and we have sent a clear message that if you don't come and play in our country, we will also not play in India," Miandad said.
The arrangement will apply to the Champions Trophy 2025 (Pakistan), next year's women's Cricket World Cup in India, and the T20 World Cup in 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
Former Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad said that Pakistan lost a “golden chance” to host India.
“Pakistan had a golden chance to host India. All cricket boards had signed the agreement in 2021 that Pakistan will host the Champions Trophy. ICC cannot back off. PCB has missed the chance I think. We should forget that the Indian team will ever come to Pakistan now. Just forget it. The only way you could have brought India here was by an ICC event,” Shehzad said on the Nadir Ali podcast.
Wasim Akram, former Pakistan captain, stated that while the hybrid model is the "best solution," supporters in Pakistan will miss out on seeing players such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma play.
“Like millions of Pakistan fans, I would have wanted the whole tournament to be played in Pakistan, and India touring our country. But if this is the solution then it’s the best one. It’s not a win for any country but I am saddened that this is a loss for millions of Gen Z Pakistani fans who wanted to see (Virat) Kohli, Rohit (Sharma), (Rishabh) Pant, (Jasprit) Bumrah playing in their country,” Wasim Akram stated as per AFP.
Former captain Wasim Bari said, "I can only imagine the warm welcome and hospitality their players and fans would get in Pakistan." Moin Khan, another former Pakistan skipper, too seemed glad with the solution. If the PCB has been able to also get another ICC event to host it is good news for Pakistan cricket.”
Former Pakistan spinner Iqbal Qasim has praised the PCB for getting the ICC, BCCI and the ICC board to agree on a compromise formula.
He said: "BCCI is a very strong and financially influential board. But unlike last year's Asia Cup, this time our board took a stance, and gained something. Main thing is we are hosting the tournament and will also not go to India now to play in ICC events. Both teams will now play at neutral venues."
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be played in Pakistan and a neutral venue from February 19 to March 9. The tournament will feature 7 teams apart from Pakistan.
(PTI/AFP inputs)
