Former Pakistan fast bowler and cricketing icon Wasim Akram has passionately voiced his support for Pakistan‘s hosting most of the matches of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Reflecting the fervour of Pakistani cricket fans, Akram expressed confidence in the nation’s ability to deliver a successful and memorable tournament. His remarks served as a rallying cry, highlighting Pakistan’s readiness and enthusiasm to host a marquee international cricketing event.

Wasim Akram hails Pakistan’s readiness to host Champions Trophy 2025

Akram expressed gratitude to everyone, praising their passionate support typical of Pakistanis. He highlighted ?that the Champions Trophy is happening in Pakistan and emphasized t??hat the country is ready to host the event.

â€?em>I would like to thank everyone. Your passion is typical Pakistani passion. This is the Champions Trophy which is happening in Pakistan. Pakistan is ready to host the Champions Trophy,” the legendary fast bowler said during the Coke Studio event.

Here is the video:

– Loved the vibe & passion of the crowd… #Cokestudio x #ChampionsTrophy × #ICC pic.twitter.com/vWZfRgz2yv

— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) December 10, 2024

Also READ: “Proper D??honi knock� Pakistan fans slam Mohammad Rizwan f?or match-losing innings against South Africa in the 1st T20I

Hybrid hosting model: A compromise in play

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is poised to take a unique and unprecedented turn, with the tournament set to adopt a hybrid hosting model. This innovative arrangement is expected to have profound implications for the storied cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan. Under? this model, Pakistan will host the majority of the tournament’s fixtures on its soil, while India’s matches, including potential knockout games, will be played in Dubai.

This hybrid solution emerged because of prolonged and complex discussions involving the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and other key stakeholders. The decision was driven by a combination of political tensions and ongoing security concerns, particularly related to India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan. Balancing the interests of both cricketing powerhouses, the hybrid model represents a compromise aimed at ensuring the tournament proceeds smoothly while addressing the sensitivities of all parties involved.

Also READ: SA? vs PAK ?2024: Mohammed Rizwan’s knock in vain as George Linde seals the win for South Africa in 1st T20I

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Team India‘s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked widespread reactions across the cricketing world. While Pakistani fans express disappointment over missing out on a potential high-profile event on home soil, many Indian fans support the BCCI’s stance, citing security concerns.

Hybrid model on cards after India’s refusal

Notably, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that India will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament, citing security concerns. The ICC, in response, is now reportedly considering a hybrid model to facilitate India’s parti??cipation. Under this arrangement, India’s matches would likely be held in a neutral location, with the United Arab Emira??tes emerging as a potential alternative, while the remainder of the tournament would still take place in Pakistan.

Not to mention, this approach is similar to the recent 2023 Asia Cup, where India’s matches were hosted outside Pakistan due to similar concerns. A final decision from the ICC is awaited as it navigates the complexities of hosting a multi-nation event amidst diplomatic and security challenges.

However, this isn’t the first instance of a team declining to visit a host nation for an ICC tournament. Here’s a look at other notable moments when teams opted out of traveling to host countries for major ICC events.

Also ??READ: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to be moved from Pakista?n to South Africa?

Instances when teams opted out of traveling to a host country for an ICC tournament

1996 Cricket World Cup �Australia and West Indies boycott matches in Sri Lanka

During the 1996 Cricket World Cup, co-hosted by India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, both Australia and the West Indies refused to play their scheduled matches in Sri Lanka due to security concerns. At the time, Sri Lanka was experiencing civil unrest, and the two teams were apprehensive about the safety of their players. Despite reassurances from the ICC and the Sri Lankan government, Australia and the West Indies forfeited their matches, giving Sri Lanka automatic victories. Ultimately, Sri La?nka went on to win the tournament, the??ir first-ever World Cup victory.

2003 Cricket World Cup �England and New Zealand forfeit matches in Zimbabwe and Kenya

The 2003 Cricket World Cup, hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya, saw England and New Zealand decline to play in Zimbabwe and Kenya, respectively. England withdrew from its scheduled match in Zimbabwe due to concerns over political tensions and human rights issues in the c?ountry, while New Zealand refused to ??travel to Kenya, citing security threats. Both teams forfeited their points for the matches, impacting their overall standings in the tournament.

1982 Women’s World Cup �West Indies opted to skip New Zealand

In 1981, New Zealand invited the South African rugby team, sparking international protests due to apartheid in South Africa. In response, the West Indies decided not to travel to New Zealand for the 1982 Women’s Cricket World Cup. This left the tournament organizers to field an International XI team, comprised of cricketers from various other participating nations, to fill the gap left by the West Indiesâ€?absence.

2009 T20 World Cup â€?Zimbabwe’s voluntary withdrawal from playing in England

Zimbabwe Cricket voluntarily withdrew from the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup in England, as they were informed that the British government might deny visas to their players. Zimbabwe then Cricket’s chairman, Peter Chingoka, stated, “We don’t want to be gatecrashers; we will attend only those weddings to which we are invited.” With Zimbabwe’s exit, an additional spot opened up in the qualifiers, which allowed a third Associate team, Scotland, to join Ireland and the Netherlands in the main tournament.

2025 ICC Champions Trophy â€?India’s refusal to tour Pakistan

Recently, India have conveyed to the ICC that they would not travel to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, again citing security concerns. As of now, the ICC is considering a hybrid model, allowing India’s matches to be held in a neutral location, likely the UAE. The ICC’s final decision on the matter is pending, but this instance underlines the ongoing security and diplomatic challenges facing international cricket.

Also REA?D: Mohammad Hafeez takes a dig at BCCI after India’s refusal to play Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan

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Following India’s official refusal to play the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, several notable figures in the host nation have voiced their reactions. Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez is among those criticizing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Hafeez called it a dream to see India play in Pakistan, expre?ssing frustration over what he sees as an unfounded decision, given that other countries have successfully toured Pakistan recently.

BCCI cites security concerns, PCB seeks government advice

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently received an email from the International Cricket Council (ICC), confirming that BCCI would not send the Indian team to Pakistan, citing security concerns. PCB, in response, has forwarded the issue to Pakistan’s government, seeking guidance on how to proceed. Hafeez, meanwhile, strongly asserted that Pakistan is “safe and ready” to host the tournament and called for a firm response from both PCB and the government.

Mohammad Hafeez takes a dig at BCCI over India’s denial to travel to Pakistan

Hafeez did not hold back in his criticism of the BCCI’s decision, stating that while it was always a daydream to think I??ndia would play in Pakistan, the reasoning behind their refusal lacks logic. Hafeez pointed out ??that multiple international teams, including Australia, England, and West Indies, have played in Pakistan recently, yet India continues to raise security concerns.

According to Hafeez, this selective stance from India is difficult to justify, as Pakistan has proven their capability to host top-tier international events without incident. Hafeez’s comments reflect a growing sentiment in Pakistan cricket circles, calling for a strong s?tance from the PCB and government in response to India’s refusal.

“It was a day dream that India will come to Pakistan to play #ChampionsTrophy2025. Pakistan is safe & ready to host the event. Pakistan hosting all cricket nations at home but somehow not *secure* for India. Waiting for strong & surprised response from government & PCB,” Hafeez wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

It was a day dream that India wil come to Pakistan to play #ChampionsTrophy2025. Pakistan is safe & ready to host the event. Pakistan hosting all cricket nations at h??ome but someh??ow not *secure* for India 😇😇😇. Waiting for strong & surprised response from government & PCB.

— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) November 11, 2024

Also READ: Team India not to travel Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025, will play matches? at a neutral venue

Potential hybrid model and tournament uncertainty

The ICC had planned to announce the Champions Trophy schedule on November 11, but the unresolved dispute between PCB and B??CCI ??has cast uncertainty over the tournament’s future. While Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi were initially chosen as venues, the ICC may now consider a hybrid model, with UAE as a potential alternative host for matches involving India.

Asia Cup 2023: A similar scenario

This situation mirrors last year’s Asia Cup?, where BCCI refused to send India to Pakistan, resulting in a hybrid model. Pakistan hosted some games, but India’s matches were held in Sri Lanka. If the Champions Troph?y adopts a similar format, matches featuring India could be played in the UAE.

Also READ: Afghani?stan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi predicts his four semifinalists of Champions Tro?phy 2025

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