“BCCI has found itself in a win-win situation" - Former Pakistan player derides PCB's hybrid model for 2025 Champions Trophy

Former Pakistan international Danish Kaneria has expressed his views on the hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy. He criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for believing that they have fought and won the hosting of the tournament with the hybrid model in place.

Kaneria expressed that it is a win-win situation for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as India's matches, including the India-Pakistan clash, will be played in Dubai.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) approved the hybrid model after Pakistan decided that Dubai would be the neutral venue and also that all matches between the two nations when either host an ICC event during the 2024-27 cycle will be played at neutral venues.

"The BCCI has found itself in a win-win situation. Here in Pakistan, I'm also hearing people say that 'we've fought and won this', but they're illiterate," Danish Kaneria told IANS.

Additionally, PCB has also been handed the rights to host the 2028 Women's T20 World Cup, which will also see the hybrid model arrangement in play. Kaneria stated that the Women's T20 World Cup is nothing but a 'lollipop' that has been handed to Pakistan.

"They've been handed the 'lollipop' of the Women's World Cup. From the beginning, I felt that the hybrid model would be the only solution because, in this situation, there's no other option," Kaneria said.

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Danish Kaneria expresses need for Pakistan to ensure the Champions Trophy runs smoothly

The former cricketer has also expressed the need for Pakistan to focus on ensuring that the Champions Trophy is conducted smoothly with the hybrid model in place.

"Pakistan has said that they won't go to India to play, but only time will tell. The country is currently facing an unstable situation. If something happens with the other teams, then what will happen? The entire tournament might shift to Dubai. Everyone has family concerns, and we should respect that. Given the current situation, let's hope that the tournament goes smoothly under the hybrid model," he stated.

Kaneria also highlighted that if both the teams make it to the final, it will be shifted to Dubai and if Pakistan travel to Dubai to play the final of a tournament that they are hosting, it would further give rise to another issue.

"The interesting part is that if both India and Pakistan reach the final, then it will have to be played in Dubai, right? That will raise another issue: if you can play the final in Dubai, then what's the problem with playing the games in India?," he opined.

The former spinner concluded by advising the nation to solely focus on the Champions Trophy at the moment as the successful conduct of the tournament will only benefit the country and its players going forward.

"International cricket has already revived in Pakistan. Now, Pakistan should focus on the Champions Trophy instead of dwelling on other matters. If this tournament turns out to be successful, it will be very beneficial for Pakistan cricket and the youth. It will boost Pakistan cricket even more, but there's still a long way to go," he said.