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.

Pakistan hopes it will get a fair deal on “equality” when the International Cricket Council virtually meets on Friday to finalize details for next year’s Champions Trophy.

The BCCI has reportedly been denied permission by the Indian government to send the Indian team to Pakistan, citing strained diplomatic relations between the two nations.