Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for accepting the hybrid model for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, asserting that the decision had already been agreed to much earlier.

shoaib-akhtar

The hybrid model, which allows India to play all their matches in the UAE while the rest of the tournament is hosted in Pakistan, was announced following concerns raised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over security issues.

Speaking on PTV Sports, Akhtar expressed his disappointment with the PCB for agreeing to the hybrid model, indicating that the decision was finalized long before it became public.

He acknowledged that while Pakistan stands to gain hosting rights and revenue, the board should have taken a firmer stance regarding the arrangement.

"You are getting paid for hosting rights and revenue, and that's fine—we all understand it. Pakistan's stance is also reasonable. They should have maintained a strong position—why not? Once we are able to host the Champions Trophy in our country and they are unwilling to come, they should share the revenue with us at a higher rate. That’s a good call," Akhtar remarked.

Despite his criticism of the PCB, Akhtar called for a positive approach regarding Pakistan’s future participation in tournaments hosted in India. He encouraged Pakistan to extend a hand of friendship and face India on their home ground.

"In terms of playing in India in the future, we should extend a hand of friendship and go there. My belief has always been: go to India and defeat them there—India mein khelo aur wahi unhe maarke aao (play in India and beat them on their home ground)," Akhtar emphasized.

The Champions Trophy was last held in 2017 in England, where Pakistan famously defeated India in the final to win their maiden title.

With the 2025 edition set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE under the hybrid model, it remains to be seen how the tournament unfolds with this arrangement.