Cricket

"Wahin Unhe Maarke Aao": Shoaib Akhtar's Controversial Remark on Champions Trophy Debate

December 2, 2024: Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has shared his candid views on the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 hosting controversy. While Akhtar supported the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) demand for a higher revenue share under the hybrid hosting model, he criticised their stance on boycotting ICC events in India, urging the team to rise to the challenge instead.

The Champions Trophy Standoff

The PCB, who hold hosting rights for the 2025 Champions Trophy, initially pushed for the entire tournament to be played in Pakistan. However, recent ICC negotiations have resulted in a hybrid model, reportedly involving some matches being hosted in Pakistan and others in neutral venues like Dubai. The PCB has also reportedly demanded that future ICC events held in India follow a hybrid model as well.

Akhtar backed the PCB’s demand for higher revenue, saying, "You are getting paid for hosting rights and revenue, and that's fine. Pakistan's stance is reasonable. Once we successfully host the Champions Trophy in our country, and if other teams are unwilling to come, they should share the revenue with us at a higher rate."

On Playing in India

While agreeing with the PCB on revenue negotiations, Akhtar took a different stance on boycotting ICC events in India. He emphasized that Pakistan should focus on building a formidable team and defeating India on their home soil.

“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),” Akhtar said during an interview on a Pakistani channel.

Hybrid Hosting Model Updates

As per the proposed arrangements, India’s matches in the Champions Trophy would be played in Dubai. If India qualifies for the semi-finals or final, those matches will also be held in Dubai. However, if India does not progress, all knockouts will take place in Pakistan.

Tags

#ShoaibAkhtar #ChampionsTrophy2025 #PakistanCricket #IndiaVsPakistan #HybridModel #PCB #CricketControversy #ICC #SportsPolitics

This post was last modified on December 2, 2024 8:56 am

Misha Bhatia

Recent Posts

Trump’s Inauguration: Global Leaders, Billionaires, and Political Allies to Join Star-Studded Ceremony

"India’s S. Jaishankar, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, and tech moguls like Elon Musk among high-profile attendees…

9 hours ago

Gautam Gambhir Accuses Sarfaraz Khan of Dressing Room Leaks Amid Border-Gavaskar Trophy Fallout: Report

"Allegations surface as India’s series loss to Australia prompts scrutiny of team management and players’…

9 hours ago

Pisces 2025 Horoscope: A Year of Dreams and Grounded Progress

Pisces (February 19 – March 20): 2025 is a year of self-discovery and tangible achievements…

9 hours ago

Shikhar Dhawan Reflects on Early Struggles and Inspires Budding Cricketers

Former Indian opener shares his journey from humble beginnings to cricket stardom during an event…

9 hours ago

Israel Seizes 3,300 Weapons Post-Assad Era as New Syrian Government Eyes Gulf Investments

Israeli forces secure weapons amid regional threats, while Syria’s new leadership seeks financial support for…

10 hours ago

Elon Musk Hails Diet Coke Inventor as a ‘Genius’ Amid Nostalgia for Trump’s Love of Soda

Tesla CEO Elon Musk praises Diet Coke's creator while reminiscing about Donald Trump’s well-known devotion…

10 hours ago