Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has advised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) not to send Team India to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. He suggested that the tournament should be played in a hybrid model, with Dubai as an alternative venue.
Kaneria Advocates for a Hybrid Model
In an exclusive conversation with Sports Tak, Kaneria emphasized that Dubai would be an ideal location for the Champions Trophy 2025. He stated, “Look 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.”
He continued, “Most likely, it will be a hybrid model; it will play in Dubai for the Champions Trophy because people know that this is a good thing. The media gets hype, everyone’s videos get likes, and everyone’s videos get liked 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.”
Concerns Over Player Safety
Kaneria praised the BCCI for prioritizing player safety and urged them to maintain that focus. “The safety of the players is the first priority,” he said. “Respect is the second priority. There are many things. I think the work of BCCI is doing a great job. I think it will accept the decision of other countries and accept their decision.”
Pakistan’s Current Situation
Kaneria expressed concerns about the current situation in Pakistan and the PCB’s focus on financial gains rather than addressing security concerns. He explained, “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, there will be a channel of Dhoom Dham, this will happen, that will happen, there will be a lot of things, money will come well.”
However, he cautioned, “But that’s okay. But you see the other grey area which you are fixing right now. If you think positively, your mind that the situation is not good, security concerns are there, the rest of the team is coming, but this is an Indian team.”
India’s Superior Infrastructure
Kaneria contrasted the situation in Pakistan with that in India, highlighting the better infrastructure and security in India. He said, “Now, we went to India, so the situation in India is far better, the balance is there, everything is good, the world travels, 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.”
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Previous Decisions as a Precedent
Kaneria referenced the Asia Cup 2023, where the BCCI decided not to send the Indian team to Pakistan due to security concerns. Instead, the tournament was played in a hybrid model, with India playing their matches in Sri Lanka. Kaneria believes the same approach could be applied to the Champions Trophy 2025.
He concluded, “I think it will be a hybrid model, and BCCI will do whatever they have to advise.”
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