Shahid Afridi criticizes BCCI for politicizing cricket, backs PCB's stand against hybrid model at Champions Trophy 2025

New Delhi: Renowned former Pakistan player and captain, known for his aggressive batting style, Shahid Afridi, has recently voiced his support for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in their decision to reject the hybrid model for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. The event is scheduled to be held in Pakistan next year. Afridi also expressed his disappointment with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for bringing politics into sports. He urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to intervene and ensure fairness in the situation.

The ICC has decided to finalize the schedule for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy after a meeting that is scheduled to be held on Friday. The BCCI has already clarified its stance of not sending players to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy due to the Indian government’s disapproval. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board is reluctant to host the entire tournament in Pakistan, leaving cricket fans uncertain about the upcoming developments.

Afridi pointed out that despite the strained relations following the Mumbai terror attacks, Pakistan has visited India five times since then.

“By intertwining politics with sports, the BCCI has placed international cricket in a precarious position. Fully support the PCB’s stance against the hybrid model – especially since Pakistan (despite security concerns) has toured India five times, including a bilateral white-ball series, post-26/11. It’s time for the ICC and its Board of Directors to uphold fairness and assert their authority,” Afridi wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

The Champions Trophy is set to take place at three venues in Pakistan during February and March next year. However, India, which hasn’t toured Pakistan since 2008, informed the ICC earlier this month that their government had not authorized travel to Pakistan for the event.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has emphasized that the PCB’s position on hosting the Champions Trophy remains “clear,” stating that “it’s not possible for Pakistan to play in India while they don’t come here.”

“Our position is very clear. I assure you we will do what’s best for Pakistan cricket. I remain in regular contact with the ICC chairman, and my team is in constant communication with them. We are firm in our stance that it’s unacceptable for us to play in India while they don’t play here. Everything will be decided based on equality. We’ve made our position clear to the ICC, and we will update you on what happens next,” Naqvi said during a press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium.

“Whatever actions we take, we will ensure the best possible outcome for Pakistan,” Naqvi reiterated. “But let me repeat, and I’m sure you understand, it’s unacceptable for Pakistan to play in India while they refuse to come here,” he emphasized.