"Indian team should not go to Pakistan" Danish Kaneria supports hybrid model for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Danish Kaneria feels the safety of players is paramount.

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has made a strong statement concerning Team India’s potential travel or non-travel to Pakistan for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He reckons the Men In Blue should not travel to Pakistan and backs the hybrid model to be used.

The next men’s ICC event is scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has submitted a draft schedule to the ICC, in which the eight-team tournament is slated to get underway on February 19 and conclude on March 9.

To avoid logistical challenges, the PCB allotted Lahore to host all of India’s group games and the semi-final should they reach it. The final also has been allotted to Lahore by the PCB. The ICC is yet to announce the schedule officially as it awaits the decision of the Indian government.

While the PCB is ready to host Team India, it is highly unlikely that the Indian government will give clearance for Rohit Sharma’s team to fly to Pakistan considering the political tension between the two countries.

In that case, a hybrid model could be used where India’s matches would be played outside Pakistan. A hybrid model was used for the Asia Cup 2023, where India played their matches, including the final, in Sri Lanka.

The safety of the players is the first priority: Danish Kaneria

Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria said that the safety of the Indian players is the utmost priority and it shouldn’t be risked by travelling to Pakistan. He backed the hybrid model, asserting that India’s games could be played in Dubai.

Speaking with Sports Tak, 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 played in Dubai.”

He added, “The safety of the players is the first 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.”

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