Former Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Amir, who recently retired from international cricket, has voiced his disappointment over India’s decision not to participate in the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Amir shared his feelings in a public statement, saying it was sad that the Indian team would not be playing in Pakistan. He expressed that if Indian players had visited Pakistan, they would have realized just how much love and respect the Pakistani fans have for them.
Mohammad Amir’s Personal Invitation to Virat Kohli
Amir particularly mentioned Indian cricket star Virat Kohli, stating that he would have personally invited him to his home had he visited Pakistan. Reflecting on his own experiences, Amir recalled the immense love he received from fans when he visited India in 2016. He believes that if Indian players came to Pakistan, they would have been warmly welcomed and appreciated for their sportsmanship and talent.
Hybrid Model for Future ICC Events
In related news, sources from a cricket website have reported that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have agreed on a hybrid model for future ICC events, including the Champions Trophy. The hybrid model will be implemented for events taking place between 2024 and 2027. According to these reports, the 2025 Champions Trophy will be held under this model, with the Indian team playing their matches at a neutral venue rather than in Pakistan. Similarly, Pakistan’s national team will not travel to India for the 2026 tournaments, and neutral venues will be selected for those matches as well.
Details of the Hybrid Model Agreement
The hybrid model is expected to be applied to several ICC events, including the Women’s World Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup. International Cricket Council (ICC) officials have confirmed that they are moving forward with this new approach, which aims to accommodate the current political tensions between India and Pakistan, ensuring that matches can still take place without compromising the safety and interests of the teams involved.
ICC’s Official Confirmation
The ICC has also made a formal announcement confirming that the Champions Trophy will be played under the hybrid model. The organization stated that, for the 2024-2027 period, all ICC events will take place at neutral venues where Pakistan and India are not able to host one another. Additionally, Pakistan will host the Women’s T20 World Cup, showcasing the country’s ability to host major international cricket tournaments despite the ongoing political challenges with neighboring India.
Conclusion
This development marks a significant shift in the way international cricket will be organized over the next few years. While some fans might feel disappointed by the absence of Pakistan and India playing in each other’s countries, the hybrid model ensures that these high-profile matches can still happen, maintaining the spirit of international cricket while navigating geopolitical challenges.
