“PCB has gained more than the BCCI” - Pakistan legend makes big claim on Champions Trophy fusion formula
The never-ending drama regarding the venues of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy seems to have finally come to a halt. The ICC has put out a solution, with India set to play all their games of the 2025 Champions Trophy at a neutral venue and not in host nation Pakistan.
An arrangement has been made with both the boards of India and Pakistan that Pakistan will also play all of their games in ICC events, which are to be hosted by India until the present cycle till 2027, at neutral venues.
Therefore, the long-standing issue over the hosting of the upcoming ICC mega event finally came to an end. As per NDTV Sports, Pakistan legend Javed Miandad views this as a solution where the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has gained more than the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India).
"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," Miandad was quoted as saying.
Miandad added that the neighbors have made a clear statement with this approach, that they will not play in India if India do not travel to their nation.
"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," he said.
Former Pakistan cricketers share their thoughts on Champions Trophy fusion formula
Apart from Javed Miandad, a few other former Pakistan cricketers have also expressed their views on the matter after the final solution has come out.
The arrangement where both countries will play their matches at a neutral venue when either nation hosts an ICC event also applies to other tournaments. They include the Women's World Cup that will be held in India next year and the T20 World Cup in 2026 which India and Sri Lanka will jointly host, apart from the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Moin Khan, a prominent name in Pakistan cricket, stated that this comes as a good news for the country.
"If the PCB has been able to also get another ICC event to host it is good news for Pakistan cricket," he said.
Further, Iqbal Qasim, a former Pakistan spinner, also hailed the PCB for the fusion formula that will be in place for the Champions Trophy.
"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. 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," he said.