“Want to Make Money?”: Shahid Afridi’s Sharp Criticism of ICC Over Champions Trophy Dispute

Shahid Afridi, former Pakistan cricket captain, has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) not to send the national team to India for any cricket event, including ICC tournaments, unless India agrees to play in Pakistan. Speaking at an Urdu conference in Karachi, Afridi stressed the importance of the PCB taking a strong, principled stance on…


Shahid Afridi, former Pakistan cricket captain, has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) not to send the national team to India for any cricket event, including ICC tournaments, unless India agrees to play in Pakistan. Speaking at an Urdu conference in Karachi, Afridi stressed the importance of the PCB taking a strong, principled stance on cricketing ties with India, emphasizing that Pakistan must become self-reliant to make bold decisions, particularly regarding events like the Champions Trophy. “If India can’t come to Pakistan, then there’s no reason for us to go to India for any event,” he stated.

The Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan between January and March 2025. However, India has refused to play in Pakistan, requesting a ‘hybrid model’ for the tournament, where India’s matches would be held at a neutral venue.

The ICC has reportedly agreed to the hybrid model, allowing India to play in Dubai while other nations will play in Pakistan. Afridi supported the PCB’s stance, criticizing India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, which has delayed the announcement of the final schedule and venues.

Afridi also questioned the ICC’s priorities, suggesting it must decide whether its responsibility is to ensure fair competition for all or just focus on making money.

Afridi, who is the father-in-law of fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, criticized the lack of consistency in Pakistan cricket leadership, citing the quick removal of Shaheen as T20 captain after just one series. He also expressed confidence in young Saim Ayub’s potential but lamented the country’s flawed talent development system, saying, “We lose so much talent because we lack a proper system to identify and nurture players.