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'Unhe Maarke Aao' - Shoaib Akhtar To Pakistan Players After Champions Trophy Dispute

Soumyajit Dutta

Shoaib Akhtar bluntly remarked on the ongoing Champions Trophy Row [Source: @Rnawaz31888/X.com]Shoaib Akhtar bluntly remarked on the ongoing Champions Trophy Row [Source: @Rnawaz31888/X.com]

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has thrown some serious shade on the recent decision to go with a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy. This came just hours after PCB seemingly gave in to the pressures from the BCCI and ICC.

The hybrid approach says all of India’s matches are set to take place in the UAE, while the rest of the games will be hosted in Pakistan. This shift was proposed after the BCCI revealed that the Indian government had turned down permits for the team to tour Pakistan. The ongoing political unrest in Islamabad also played a part, with the ICC backing this new game plan.

Shoaib Akhtar's Honest Take On Hybrid Model Approach

After Mohsin Naqvi broke his silence on PCB's condition for hybrid model, in a recent chat with a Pakistani media outlet, Akhtar shared his thoughts, recognizing the PCB's tough spot while also providing a balanced take on 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 decision," Akhtar said.

Akhtar is confident that the PCB should send the Pakistan team to India for upcoming ICC events. He also emphasizes the need to build a team strong enough to take on India and win on their home turf.

"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," Akhtar added.

Recent updates on the Champions Trophy, indicate a significant compromise regarding match locations. India's matches are set to take place in Dubai. If the Indian team progresses to the semi-finals or the final, those crucial games will also be held in Dubai. However, should India not make it to the knockout stage, the semi-finals and final will shift to Pakistan.

Additionally, reports from TOI have revealed that Pakistan has requested a commitment from the ICC to implement a hybrid model for future multi-nation tournaments hosted by India until 2031.