Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal has accused the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of showing “double standards” amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Akmal’s comments come in the wake of a delay in announcing the tournament’s schedule, which is expected to be released in the coming days.
Akmal Calls For Strong Leadership From PCB
Pakistani player Kamran Akmal called out that strong leadership is needed within the PCB. He stressed the fact that the PCB should present powerful leadership in this matter that could benefit Pakistan’s image around the world. He further slammed India for refusing to visit Pakistan saying that it was not for the first time BCCI made such a move. India did not travel to Pakistan for Asia Cup last year as all matches were played in Sri Lanka, even the final one.
“I am disappointed to see such a scenario, but enough is enough as Pakistan have toured India despite one 2016 World Cup match shifted from Dharamshala to Kolkata, and then Pakistan played in Ahmedabad last year despite reservations,” Akmal was quoted as saying to Telecom Asia Sport.
“On one hand, they don’t want to play us in Pakistan on political issues, but on the other hand, they play us in their country, and that is a double standard,” he said.
Call For Long-Term Solution
Akmal demanded a permanent solution to the diplomatic row between India and Pakistan. He demanded that if the “Hybrid” model is accepted for Champions Trophy, it must be implemented for all future events that India will host. He further demanded that no India-Pakistan match should be played in any ICC event until and unless the two teams play bilateral series and try to improve their relationship.
“The ICC has to make a decision sometime, and I think this is the right time to find a permanent solution. If this Champions Trophy adopts a hybrid model with India not coming to Pakistan, then all other ICC events in India should adopt the same pattern with Pakistan not touring India,”
“In my opinion, another solution is that the ICC should not schedule Indo-Pak matches until and unless there is a bilateral series. Once they start playing each other, then only we should have matches in a multi-national event,” Akmal concluded.
Naqvi Rules Out Hybrid Model; Proposes Fair Solution
Following the ICC meeting, Naqvi reiterated Pakistan’s position, rejecting the idea of a hybrid model for the tournament. He emphasized that a new formula could be considered, provided it ensures fairness and equal treatment for both nations. This response underscores Pakistan’s commitment to hosting the event entirely within its borders.
“We will do what’s best for cricket. It’s definitely not a hybrid formula, but if a new formula is formed, it will be an equal one,” said Mohsin Naqvi
