Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria said that the 2025 Champions Trophy should be played in a hybrid model. He has supported India’s possible decision not to travel to Pakistan for the mega event. With the tournament taking place in February next year, the coming months will decide whether India will tour Pakistan or a hybrid model will take place.
In an interview with SportsTak, Danish Kaneria said: “Looking at the situation in Pakistan, I have to say that the Indian team should not go to Pakistan, and Pakistan should think about it, and then the ICC will make its decision, and most likely, it will be a hybrid model, it will played in Dubai. The media gets hype, everyone’s videos get likes because the big manjan is good so it will sell. So I think this is a reality and it will definitely be a hybrid model. The safety of the players is the first priority. The safety of the players is the first priority. Respect is the second priority. There are many things. I think BCCI is doing a great job. I think all the countries will accept the final decision. I think it will be a hybrid model.”
The hybrid model was followed for the 2023 Asia Cup slated in Pakistan, with India playing their matches in Sri Lanka as well. Danish Kaneria also feels India playing in Pakistan would be a massive financial boost as well.
“The main issue is that money will come. That’s why there is so much talk about Indian team coming, there will be sponsorships, media will grow, this will happen, that will happen, there will be a lot of things, money will come well and that’s okay. But you see the other grey area which you are fixing right now. The rest of the teams are coming but this is the Indian team. We went to India, so the situation in India is far better, the balance is there, everything is good, tourists come from all over the world, so everything is great and the government is doing a fantastic job. So that’s the thing, that’s the reality,” Danish Kaneria concluded.
