Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has dismissed claims that India received special treatment from the ICC during the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025. Mohammad Hafeez stated that India are the only team that prioritizes winning ICC trophies, while other teams focus on financial gains.
There is a debate over whether India had an unfair advantage by playing all their matches, including the knockouts, at a single venue—the Dubai International Stadium. A hybrid model was introduced after the Indian government did not permit Team India to travel to Pakistan, the tournament hosts.
They Sent Their Players to the IPL – Mohammad Hafeez
Mohammad Hafeez said that different cricket boards have different priorities based on their financial strength. He stated that financially weaker boards allow players to participate in franchise leagues, even during international series.
“I went to South Africa in 2021, and they sent their players to the IPL. They are not a financially strong board. South Africa want money. They played their C team against Pakistan,” Hafeez said on Game on Hai.
“Later, they sent their players to the IPL even during a Test series against New Zealand. Then, when SA20 came, they started treating it like a money-making machine. They don’t want to compromise with that. That is their policy,” He added.
The Team That Is Playing to Win Is India – Mohammad Hafeez
As India remained unbeaten and dominated their opponents on the road to the final, discussions about venue advantage gained momentum. Several former and current cricketers have raised concerns over India benefiting from playing in familiar conditions.
Mohammad Hafeez also stated that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) accepted the hybrid model for hosting Champions Trophy 2025 due to financial reasons. He emphasized that Pakistan did not gain anything from hosting the Champions Trophy in a hybrid format apart from monetary benefits.
“If you look at us, we agreed on a hybrid model twice. Hume kuch nahi mila hybrid model see, other than paise. Toh humne wo le liya Kuchh paise kama liye, baat khatam. Hamara that paisa, humne wo le liya. South Africa bhi. Lekin jo jeetne ke liye khel rahi wo hai India ki team (We didn’t earn anything apart from some money. We got what we wanted, which is money. South Africa, too.)”
“The team that is playing to win is India. They plan to win ICC trophies. We talk a lot about them recovering favours. They are not getting any favours from anyone. Whatever they earn is because of the quality of cricket they are playing,” Hafeez added.
India to Face New Zealand in Champions Trophy 2025 Final in Dubai
India will face New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai on Sunday, March 9. The two sides last met at the same venue in the group stage before the Kiwis traveled to Lahore for their semifinal against South Africa. The Mitchell Santner-led team returned to Dubai for the summit clash.
India have remained unbeaten throughout the event and will aim to secure back-to-back ICC titles. Rohit Sharma guided India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, Pakistan, the original hosts, had a disastrous campaign, as they were knocked out in the group stage without a single win.
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