After the ICC approved hybrid model for the upcoming Champions Trophy and shifted India’s matches to Dubai, former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria believes this is a win-win situation for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) while Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have been handed a “lollipop” of hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028.
ICC confirmed Dubai as the neutral venue for India’s matches during the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan. The tournament is scheduled from February 19 to March 9, with the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match on February 23 at the Dubai International Stadium. A potential final featuring India will also be moved to Dubai.
This decision follows the ICC’s approval of a hybrid model for India-Pakistan matches in ICC events held in either country during the 2024-27 cycle. The model dictates that these matches will be played at a neutral venue due to ongoing political tensions between the two nations.
Kaneria believes this arrangement benefits India more than Pakistan. He commented on the situation: “The BCCI has found itself in a win-win situation. Here in Pakistan, I’m also hearing people say that ‘we’ve fought and won this’, but they’re illiterate. They’ve been handed the ‘lollipop’ of the Women’s World Cup. From the beginning, I felt that the hybrid model would be the only solution because, in this situation, there’s no other option.”
Pakistan were awarded the hosting rights for the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028, which will also follow the neutral venue model for India-Pakistan games. Kaneria questioned the logic of the final potentially being played in Dubai, saying: “The interesting part is that if both India and Pakistan reach the final, then it will have to be played in Dubai, right? That will raise another issue: if you can play the final in Dubai, then what’s the problem with playing the games in India?”
Kaneria also highlighted security concerns, referencing the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team bus in Lahore. He stressed the importance of a smooth tournament, noting the high level of security provided to visiting teams.
He also pointed out the potential economic benefits for Pakistan had India played there, stating: “The entire stadium and even the roads would be packed with people. Because people are fans of Rohit (Sharma), Virat (Kohli), and (Jasprit) Bumrah. The younger generation is emulating these players.”
Despite the neutral venue decision, Kaneria believes a successful Champions Trophy will boost Pakistan cricket. He urged Pakistan to focus on the tournament and its potential positive impact on the future of the sport in the country.
