Hybrid Model, Relocation, Tournament Without India: ICC To Discuss 3 Options For Champions Trophy – News18
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The ICC will discuss three options in a bid to break the Champions Trophy stalemate and in case of no consensus, will take vote to finalise status.
India and Pakistan only square off at ICC or continental events. (AP Photo)
In an attempt to break the deadlock over the 2025 Champions Trophy, the International Cricket Council will hold a virtual meeting of its board members on Friday to arrive at a resolution following BCCI’s refusal to send Indian to Pakistan for the marquee event. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is adamant at hosting the entire tournament in the country even as ICC has reportedly suggested a Hybrid Model that would open the doors for India to play their Champions Trophy matches at a neutral venue.
The schedule for the tournament was expected to be out earlier in November but due to the ongoing stance of PCB, it has been delayed.
As per ESPNcricinfo, the ICC will discuss three options during the meeting.
The first one is a hybrid model as per which Pakistan will host majority of the matches. Indian team will play their matches at a neutral country.
The second one being moving the entire tournament to a different country but PCB keeps the hosting right.
The third and the least likely being the event going ahead in Pakistan without India’s participation.
A latest report by PTI claims that the PCB has conveyed to ICC that it won’t accept the hybrid model. “I can confirm that PCB has a few hours back told the ICC that a Hybrid Model is not acceptable to them,” the news agency quoted a source as saying.
This comes after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi seemed to more accepting towards the Hybrid Model after earlier rejecting its possiblity.
“Whatever we do, we will make sure the best outcome for Pakistan is achieved. But I repeat, and I am sure you know what I mean, it’s not possible that Pakistan play in India, and they don’t come here,” Naqvi told reporters.
He also rejected claims that PCB will be willing to accept financial incentives should it accept Hybrid Model.
“…we’ll not just sell our rights out just for more money. This will never happen. But we’ll do whatever is best for Pakistan,” Naqvi said.
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