Former Pakistan captain and cricket legend Javed Miandad has praised the PCB for holding its ground and securing a favorable outcome against the powerful Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The hybrid model decision, announced by the ICC, has not only ensured Pakistan retains its hosting rights but also sends a strong message to the cricketing world.

A High-Stakes Standoff

The controversy began when the BCCI formally refused to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan, citing security concerns. This refusal threw the ICC’s plans for the eight-team tournament into disarray, forcing the governing body to explore alternatives. After weeks of deliberation, the ICC announced a hybrid model, allowing India and Pakistan to play their matches at neutral venues for ICC tournaments hosted by either nation.

Javed Miandad, speaking about the resolution, said:

“The PCB took the sensible approach. Instead of doing something rash and risking isolation in the cricketing world, they opted for a solution that ultimately benefits them more than the BCCI.”

For Pakistan, the stakes were high. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 marks the return of a major international tournament to Pakistan after years of isolation due to security concerns. Miandad emphasized the significance of this achievement:

“Still, Pakistan is hosting a big event after a very long time. We’ve sent a clear message: if you don’t come and play in our country, we won’t play in yours.”

Under the new arrangement, all Indian matches, including the high-voltage clash with Pakistan, will be played at a neutral venue, likely in Dubai. In return, Pakistan will not travel to India for ICC or ACC events, ensuring a balanced approach to the ongoing Future Tours Programme (FTP).

Neutral Venues

The reciprocal arrangement will extend beyond the Champions Trophy. For tournaments like the Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2024 and the T20 World Cup in 2026, both hosted in India, Pakistan will play their matches at neutral venues. This agreement, effective until 2027, underscores the PCB’s strengthened position on the global cricketing stage.
Support from Cricket Legends

The decision has been met with widespread approval among former Pakistani cricketers.

• Wasim Bari envisioned the warmth and hospitality Pakistani fans would show during the Champions Trophy, stating, “I can only imagine the reception the players and fans would receive in Pakistan.”
• Moin Khan, another former captain, expressed relief, saying, “If the PCB has secured another ICC event to host, it’s great news for Pakistan cricket.”
• Iqbal Qasim highlighted the significance of PCB’s firm stance, noting, “Unlike last year’s Asia Cup, the PCB stood strong this time and gained something meaningful.”

The Bigger Picture

This breakthrough marks a turning point in cricket diplomacy between the two arch-rivals. India has not played in Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, and this hybrid model provides a temporary but effective solution to the impasse.

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