Champions Trophy
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has successfully persuaded the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and other cricket boards to adopt a hybrid hosting model for the upcoming Champions Trophy, sources revealed on Tuesday.
This decision comes amid ongoing challenges related to India’s participation in the tournament, scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025.
The ICC, racing against time, is expected to announce the tournament schedule by November 20. Matches are currently planned at three key venues in Pakistan: Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore.
As the reigning champions, having won the last edition of the tournament in England in 2017, Pakistan is eager to showcase its hosting capabilities on the global stage.
However, the longstanding political tensions between India and Pakistan, which have prevented bilateral cricket since 2008, continue to overshadow the event.
India has only played matches against Pakistan at neutral venues during multi-nation tournaments, including last year’s Asia Cup, where India competed in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model.
Last week, the ICC formally informed the PCB that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had officially declined to send its team to Pakistan for the tournament.
Following this, ICC officials conveyed the potential financial losses that all cricket boards could face if India were to boycott the eight-nation event. Additionally, the PCB has been warned about the economic impact of not hosting matches in Pakistan.
The hybrid model, which divides matches between Pakistan and a neutral venue, has been deemed the most viable solution by the ICC.
Discussions are ongoing with various cricket boards to finalize the schedule, with the PCB being actively involved in consultations.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, addressing reporters at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to hosting the Champions Trophy.
He expressed confidence in successfully organizing the tournament despite India’s refusal to travel. “We will achieve our target and, God willing, safely hold the Champions Trophy in Pakistan,” Naqvi stated.
Regarding Pakistan’s correspondence with the ICC over its stance against the hybrid model, Naqvi revealed that the PCB is awaiting a response.
He emphasized the importance of ICC’s credibility and urged the Indian board to engage with the council if concerns persist.
The ICC’s resolution to proceed with a hybrid model reflects its commitment to ensuring the tournament’s success while navigating the complexities of regional politics and financial implications.
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