Shahid Afridi's Straightforward Communication With The BCCI Regarding The Champions Trophy Scandal

ICC should 'uphold fairness and enforce their authority', according to Shahid Afridi, who has accused the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of 'intertwining politics with sports'.

Shahid Afridi, the former captain of Pakistan, has defended the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for rejecting the hybrid concept for the Champions Trophy, which will be held in Pakistan the following year. The seasoned all-rounder has urged the ICC to "uphold fairness and assert their authority" and accused the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of "intertwining politics with sports." The main tournament's schedule will be decided at the ICC Board meeting on Friday.

Due to the Indian government's prohibition, the BCCI informed the ICC that the Indian squad will not be attending the tournament in Pakistan. The Champions Trophy's future is dubious, though, as the PCB is hesitant to host the entire competition in Pakistan.

Pakistan has visited India five times since the Mumbai terror attacks, which soured ties between the neighboring nations, Afridi continued.

"The BCCI has put international cricket in a vulnerable position by fusing politics and sports. I wholeheartedly endorse the PCB's opposition to the hybrid approach, particularly in light of Pakistan's five post-26/11 tours of India, including a bilateral white-ball series, despite security concerns. The time has come for the ICC and its Board of Directors to establish its power and maintain justice. Afridi wrote on X, formerly Twitter. 

In February and March of the following year, three locations in Pakistan are set to host the Champions Trophy. However, earlier this month, India, who haven't visited Pakistan since 2008, informed the ICC that their government had denied them permission to go there for the tournament.

Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has stated that "it's not possible that Pakistan play in India, and they don't come here" and that the PCB is still "clear" about hosting the Champions Trophy.

"We have a very clear position. We'll act in Pakistan cricket's best interests, I swear. My team and I are in daily communication with the chairman of the ICC. We remain steadfast in our position that they don't play cricket here and that it is unacceptable for us to do so in India. Equality will be the foundation for whatever occurs. "What happens next, we'll let you know," Naqvi stated at a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium. "We've told the ICC very clearly."

Naqvi stated repeatedly that "whatever we do, we will make sure the best outcome for Pakistan is achieved." "But I'll say it again, and I'm sure you understand: Pakistan cannot play in India, and they don't come here," he added.