Shahid Afridi voiced his support for the PCB’s decision on social media
29 November, 2024
PHOTO: FILE
Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has expressed his strong support for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as it remains firm in its decision to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 entirely in Pakistan.
The tournament, scheduled for February-March 2025, faces uncertainty over India’s participation. The ICC had informed the PCB on November 10 that the Indian government would not allow its team to travel to Pakistan for the event.
In response, the PCB sent a formal letter to the ICC, raising concerns about India’s withdrawal and reiterating Pakistan’s stance. The board has rejected the idea of a hybrid model, where some matches would be played outside Pakistan, and has insisted that the event must be hosted entirely within the country.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized this position during a press conference, saying, “We’re still clear in our stance that it’s not acceptable that we play cricket in India, and they don’t play cricket here. Whatever will happen, will happen on the basis of equality. We’ve told the ICC very clearly, and what happens next we’ll let you know.”
Shahid Afridi voiced his support for the PCB’s decision on social media. In his post, Afridi criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for mixing politics with sports and urged the ICC to take a firm stand.
“By intertwining politics with sports, the BCCI has placed international cricket in a precarious position,” Afridi wrote. “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.”
The ICC has scheduled a key meeting for November 29 to discuss the future of the Champions Trophy 2025. The options on the table include sticking to the current plan of hosting it in Pakistan, adopting a hybrid model, moving the event to a neutral venue, or postponing it altogether.
