PCB to ICC! Hybrid Model Is Off the Agenda for Today's Meeting
The Pakistan Cricket Board rejects the hybrid model for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. PCB insists the event must be held entirely in Pakistan, even if India does not participate.
Amid growing tensions between Pakistan and India regarding the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has clearly told the International Cricket Council (ICC) not to consider a hybrid model for the tournament during today’s executive board meeting.
The meeting, held online, is meant to finalize the schedule for the tournament after India refused to travel to Pakistan for the event, which was originally set for February 19 to March 9, 2025. The PCB has insisted that the tournament should take place entirely in Pakistan, even if India does not participate.
The ICC has been thinking about a hybrid model where India’s matches, including the semi-finals and final, would be played outside Pakistan to avoid financial losses if India does not take part. However, the PCB has rejected this option, pointing out that the Pakistani government has refused to accept such a plan. If the ICC suggests another solution, the PCB will consult the government before deciding. The PCB has also asked the ICC to present the Indian government’s letter to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), instructing the BCCI not to send its team to Pakistan.
A PCB official emphasized that Pakistan has previously toured India, even with security concerns, while India has denied Pakistani players the chance to play in the Indian Premier League. The PCB also suggested that if India chooses not to play, the ICC could replace them with another team, similar to how Zimbabwe was replaced by the Netherlands during the 2009 T20 World Cup due to visa issues. The PCB also pointed out the financial imbalance between the countries, with India getting a larger share of ICC revenue while Pakistan receives much less.
The Bangladeshi High Commissioner showed support for Pakistan, wishing them well in hosting the Champions Trophy during a meeting with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Despite the ongoing challenges about India’s participation, the PCB is continuing its preparations for the event.
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