Shahid Afridi Criticizes BCCI’s Champions Trophy Stand, Calls on ICC to Act
Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has strongly criticized the BCCI. They refused to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. On Thursday, Afridi took to social media. He accused the BCCI of “intertwining politics with sports.” He called on the ICC to “assert its authority.” Tensions were growing over the tournament’s schedule.
Afridi Stands with PCB, Opposes Hybrid Model
Afridi backed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). It has rejected a hybrid model for hosting the tournament. The 2023 Asia Cup used a hybrid model. It allowed splitting matches between Pakistan and neutral venues. Afridi criticized the BCCI for not wanting to travel. He cited Pakistan’s record of visiting India despite security concerns.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Afridi stated:
“By intertwining politics with sports, the BCCI has placed international cricket in a precarious position. Fully support the PCB’s stance against the hybrid model—especially since Pakistan (despite security concerns) has toured India five times, including a bilateral white-ball series, post-26/11. It’s time for the ICC and its Board of Directors to uphold fairness and assert their authority.”
By intertwining politics with sports, the BCCI has placed international cricket in a precarious position. Fully support the PCB’s stance against the hybrid model – especially since Pakistan (despite security concerns) has toured India five times, including a bilateral white-ball… pic.twitter.com/Xl4YBhCWuB
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) November 28, 2024
The 26/11 Incident and Bilateral Relations
Afridi mentioned the 2008 Mumbai attacks. They were a turning point in cricketing ties between India and Pakistan. Following the tragedy, India ceased bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan. Despite this, Pakistan has toured India five times since then. This includes a white-ball series in 2012/13. Afridi used this history to highlight the imbalance in cricket diplomacy. He called for fairness from the ICC.
ICC to Address Hybrid Model Amid Rising Tensions
The ICC will discuss the Champions Trophy schedule at a virtual board meeting on Friday. It will focus on the hybrid model. The Indian Express says unrest in Islamabad has raised security concerns for international teams. This follows Sri Lanka canceling their A team’s tour of Pakistan.
However, the PCB remains firm in its stance. A source told PTI:
“I can confirm that PCB has a few hours back told the ICC that a hybrid model is not acceptable to them. PCB had considered a hybrid model. It was agreed that if India can’t play in Pakistan, then future ICC events in India (up to 2031) would use hybrid hosting models.”
PCB and ICC Face a Critical Decision
The hybrid model let the Asia Cup proceed in tough conditions. The PCB sees the Champions Trophy as a different case. The board insists that Pakistan must host the tournament in full. They cite a precedent. Other nations traveled to Pakistan for major cricket events.
Today, ICC meeting coming, the cricket world awaits a decision. It could set a precedent for future tournaments.
