"India Is More Concerned About Security": Pakistani Great Slams Own Board For "Court Threat" Regarding Champions Trophy

The legendary Pakistani spinner claimed that nothing will be accomplished by the PCB's decision to sue India in the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

After India declined to go for the Champions Trophy next year, former Pakistani spinner Danish Kaneria questioned the PCB about what they would gain by suing the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). According to media reports, the PCB is still insistent about holding the entire tournament in Pakistan and is considering the possibility of addressing the CAS about the issue.

Kaneria added that nothing would be accomplished by traveling to CAS and that it was practically obvious that India would not visit Pakistan for political and security reasons.

"India's refusal to visit Pakistan for political and other reasons has long been a problem. They can use the hybrid approach, as they did in the Asia Cup, but since Pakistan visited India for the ODI World Cup last year, everything should be resolved. What would Pakistan gain if they appear before the International Court of Justice (CAS)? Pakistan's security situation is always unclear. Kaneria, who has taken the most Test wickets (261), of any spinner in the nation, said IANS, "International teams are coming, but security concerns are much higher with the Indian team."

The former spinner proposed a "hybrid model" for the tournament, similar to the Asia Cup, in which India would play their matches in Dubai and the remainder of the competition would still be held in Pakistan.

"In the long run, India should play their games in Dubai, and Pakistan should keep hosting the Champions Trophy. The situation will only become worse, but Pakistan has nothing to lose because they sent their squad to the World Cup in India and did the same thing the last time. According to the former cricket player, "PCB is adamant this time and says many fans in Pakistan want to see Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja play in Pakistan."

"It will be intriguing to observe how PCB advances with the Champions Trophy; will they take the initiative and maintain their brave stance? In order to get the desired result, I believe that things should be completed quickly and that the representatives of both boards should meet face-to-face," Kaneria said.

With Pakistan gaining the hosting rights, the world's top eight cricketing teams are anticipated to compete in the Champions Trophy, a major event that will return in 2025 after an eight-year break.