India and Pakistan is a high-octane clash ever played in world cricket. Whenever they face each other it always feels like a war. Over the years this rivalry has made everyone crazy. Over the past 3-4 years, we have seen Pakistan giving a fight against India but they don’t seem to have the bench strength when it comes in an ICC event.
This year in T20 World Cup India dethroned Pakistan in a nail-biting thriller and won the match. However, Pakistan succeeded just once in the 2021 T20 World Cup defeating India BY 10 wickets. All eyes once again will be on Babar Azam to score runs irrespective of whether he is the skipper or not as apart from him & Rizwan, the batting line up looks quite fragile which is a worrisome for the team.
Danish Kaneria supports India for not visiting Pakistan
Pakistan is very keen to host the Champions Trophy in 2025, however many reports were saying that BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has strictly refused to visit Pakistan and requested for hybrid model, later Pakistan Cricket Board didn’t accept the plan and was keen upon their plan to play in Pakistan itself, this rift is still going and no official statement or announcement has made. Will India visit Pakistan or ICC be allowed to play in the Hybrid model? In the end, the safety of players matters first. Political intentions and consequences between India and Pakistan are aware by everyone, but if any mishap happens then the responsible will be Pakistan itself, considering the earlier incidents which occurred.
Former Pakistan player Danish Kaneria backs India for not visiting Pakistan and requesting for hybrid model is the most convenient way to host the event. Just like the 2023 Asia Cup which was held by Pakistan and Sri Lanka. 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 be played in Dubai. The media gets hype, and everyone’s videos get likes because the big man is good so it will sell. So I think this is a reality and it will be a hybrid model.”
“The safety of the players is the first priority. The safety of the players is the 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 main issue is that money will come. That’s why there is so much talk about the 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,” he said.
“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.”
BCCI is the world’s richest cricket board they have more powers than other boards and since they have many rights to make decisions, and even now Jay Shah is the new ICC Chairman the hybrid model could be the final decision once the official announcement comes will get to know soon.