Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has come up with a shocking revelation, saying that the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy was decided much before the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) agreement to the demands of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC).

India’s Matches In UAE, Rest Of The Tournament In Pakistan

As claimed by Akhtar, in the proposed hybrid model, India will play all their matches in the Champions Trophy at the UAE, and the rest of the matches will be played in Pakistan. The decision has been made in light of the BCCI informing the ICC that the Indian government had not approved the national team’s journey to Pakistan for the tournament. Secondly, a rising tension at Islamabad made matters worse, and the hybrid was supported by the ICC.

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: ‘Bow Down’ – Pakistan Gets Brutally Trolled Over Hybrid Model Controversy

PCB’s Initial Stance vs. Final Agreement

The PCB took a firm stand to conduct the whole tournament in Pakistan. However, according to reports, the board had to bow down to the pressure of the ICC and BCCI. The PCB feared losing all the rights of hosting the tournament if it didn’t agree to the hybrid model.

“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 said.

Akhtar’s View On The Hybrid Model

In an interview with a Pakistani media channel, Shoaib Akhtar offered a level-headed take on the ongoing dispute over the Champions Trophy’s venue arrangements. While acknowledging the PCB’s firm position, Akhtar also urged Pakistan to maintain a cordial relationship with India in the context of cricket, stressing the importance of cooperation between the two nations.

“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). I understand that the hybrid model had already been signed earlier,” he added.

PCB’s Deal With ICC & BCCI For Future Tournaments

Adding fuel to the fire, a report in the Times of India revealed that in lieu of agreeing to the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy, the PCB has won an assurance from the ICC that the model will be followed for all future multi-nation tournaments to be played in India till 2031. This clause aims to avoid the tournament getting derailed by some political or diplomatic row.

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Kamran Akmal Makes Controversial Remark Accuses BCCI Of ‘Double Standard’

Shoaib Akhtar’s comments reveal the complexities behind the decision-making process concerning the venues of the Champions Trophy. Although the hybrid model may have solved the immediate problem, its long-term implications on international cricket relationships are still a subject of discussion.