ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan player tells India to hold their stance and not visit Pakistan

Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria has questioned the decision of his country's cricket board to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) regarding India's travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Recently, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made it clear that India would not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 next year. According to the BCCI, this decision was taken in consultation with the Indian government.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), however, is not ready to accept the hybrid model suggested by the ICC and the BCCI. Instead, they are looking to approach the CAS regarding this matter, according to reports.

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Danish Kaneria questions Pakistan's move to appeal to CAS

Danish Kaneria is not convinced about the move to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sports regarding this matter. While speaking to the news agency IANS, he claimed that the PCB has an option of hosting the tournament through a hybrid model just like it was played in the Asia Cup last year.

“The issue was ongoing for long that India will not travel to Pakistan for political and other reasons. They have an option of the hybrid model as they did in the Asia Cup but things should be settled as Pakistan traveled to India for the ODI World Cup last year. If Pakistan goes to the international court (CAS) what will they achieve out of it?" Kaneria argued.

"There’s always the uncertainty of security in Pakistan. International teams are coming but security concerns are much higher with the Indian team," Kaneria raised security concerns in Pakistan.

Danish Kaneria wants a hybrid model for Champions Trophy 2025

Further speaking on this issue, Danish Kaneria reckoned that a hybrid model is the best option for both teams India should play its Champions Trophy matches in Dubai, and Pakistan should continue to play in their own country.

He also mentioned that the cricket fans in Pakistan want to see big international Indian players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah in action at their grounds.

“Looking at the big picture, India should play their matches in Dubai and Pakistan continue to host the Champions Trophy in the country. Things will only go downhill in this situation but Pakistan have nothing to lose as they did the same last time and also sent their team to India for the World Cup," Danish Kaneria noted.

"PCB is adamant this time and says many fans in Pakistan want to see Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja play in Pakistan," he added.

The former Pakistan legspinner wants the delegations from both the cricket boards to come together and decide on a possible outcome to conduct the tournament in a smooth way.

Difficult situation for ICC

The path won't be easy going forward for the International Cricket Council (ICC) as they look to find a way to convince both of their top member nations for the Champions Trophy 2025. It remains to be seen how PCB manages this situation with less than 100 days to start the tournament.

According to the draft schedule, the Champions Trophy 2025 will be played from February 19 to March 9. Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi are slated to host the tournament in Pakistan. However, a final decision is expected to be taken once the ongoing issue is settled.