ICC Champions Trophy 2025: "PCB has gained more" - Pakistan legends claim BCCI lost the battle
Published - 20 Dec 2024, 06:20 PM | Updated - 20 Dec 2024, 11:36 PM
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Pakistan’s former cricketers Javed Miandad, Wasim Bari, Iqbal Qasim, and Moin Khan have expressed their satisfaction after a major breakthrough in the long-standing dispute over the hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that India will play all its matches in the tournament at a neutral venue, while Pakistan will also play its games at neutral venues during ICC events hosted by India until the current cycle ends in 2027.
This announcement came as a big relief after months of uncertainty regarding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Reacting to the solution, former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad praised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for taking a sensible approach to the situation.
PCB has gained more than the BCCI in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 dispute: Javed Miandad
The legendary cricketer has pointed out that the PCB has gained a lot more than the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) by seeking a mutual solution rather than escalating tensions with the ICC. Miandad also highlighted the significance of Pakistan hosting the Champions Trophy and said that PCB’s win sent a strong message to the BCCI and India.
Read Also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India vs Pakistan match date revealed
Javed Miandad was quoted as saying by PTI: “I think the PCB took the sensible approach, and instead of doing something rash and facing isolation in the ICC and among other cricket nations, it opted for a solution where I think the PCB has gained more than the BCCI. Still, Pakistan is hosting a big event after a very long time, and we have sent a clear message that if you don't come and play in our country, we will also not play in India.”
Meanwhile, former Pakistan captains Wasim Bari and Moin Khan have also welcomed the breakthrough in the Champions Trophy 2025 dispute between Pakistan and India. Bari said that now he can only imagine how the warm welcome and hospitality Indian players and fans could have received if they had visited Pakistan for the prestigious tournament.
Wasim Bari and Moin Khan praise PCB for securing neutral venue arrangement with BCCI
Wasim Bari stated, “I can only imagine the warm welcome and hospitality their players and fans would get in Pakistan.”
On the other hand, Moin Khan, another former Pakistan skipper, said that securing the right to host another ICC event is a significant achievement for Pakistan cricket. He said, “If the PCB has been able to also get another ICC event to host, it is good news for Pakistan cricket.”
In the end, former Pakistan spinner Iqbal Qasim praised the PCB for successfully negotiating a compromise between the ICC and BCCI. He acknowledged the strength and financial power of the BCCI, but Pakistan managed to get a fair arrangement this time, and that’s a big win for them.
This time our board gained something against powerful BCCI: Iqbal Qasim
Iqbal Qasim was quoted as saying by PTI, “BCCI is a very strong and financially influential board. But unlike last year's Asia Cup, this time our board took a stance, and gained something. The main thing is we are hosting the tournament and will also not go to India now to play in ICC events. Both teams will now play at neutral venues.”
Notably, the fusion formula will be in place for the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, next year's Women's Cricket World Cup in India, and the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
