Just hours after PCB accepted BCCI and ICC's demand, Akhtar also claimed the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy was already agreed upon. He urged Pakistan to maintain cordial cricketing relations with India. This claim came before it was revealed that PCB had already consented to this model well in advance.

Shoaib Akhtar believes India is more eager to play in Pakistan than vice versa, emphasizing that Virat Kohli is particularly keen. Despite the ICC Champions Trophy matches being relocated to Dubai for Indian teams,

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar believes India and their talisman Virat Kohli will be more desperate to play in Pakistan than the hosts themselves for television and sponsorship reasons.

Shoaib Akhtar's statement came hours after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) gave in to BCCI and ICC's demand on Champions Trophy

The BCCI has said that the Indian cricket team won't be travelling to Pakistan, the designated hosts of the 2025 Champions Trophy, after not getting clearance

Babar Azam was reintegrated into the side during Pakistan's white-ball tour of Australia last month. He played three T20Is and an equal number of ODIs. Still, his problems did not seem to have eased much,

Though the Pakistan Board remained firm on not accepting the hybrid model at any cost, they lowered their ground after the apex body’s two-day deadline warning.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is ready to accept the Hybrid model for Champions Trophy 2025, but had put forth a one condition before the International Cricket Council.

Shoaib Akhtar criticized PCB for conceding to the hybrid model for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, allowing India's matches in UAE. He claimed the agreement was pre-decided and urged stronger negotiation.

Pakistan initially did not accept the demands put in place by BCCI, it has been reported that the PCB has agreed to the hybrid model, with India's matches set to be held in Dubai.