After India’s refusal to go to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, the Pakistani government and the PCB are mulling some strict actions. As per various reports, they are considering boycotting ICC events that India will be part of, or even not going to the latter for any future ICC event.
Only Options for PCB, for Champions Trophy
But such a stance will only invite further trouble for them. And this was confirmed by the former PCB chief Najam Sethi. Not only he listed out the possible options for the Pakistani board, but also spoke about the risks involved, on Samaa TV. The first option was the Hybrid model, where India would play all their matches in UAE.
“One, India comes to play, which they will not. They refused for kabaddi, also blind cricket. Earlier, kabaddi teams used to come, similarly tennis players came for Davis Cup before. This time they (India) have taken a hard line, not just on cricket but on other things (sports) as well. So I think there is something serious here. In that case, it could be a hybrid model, with some matches played in Pakistan and India’s matches held elsewhere,” said Sethi.
SA as Venue?
“The second option is that if the hybrid model is not acceptable to Pakistan, then the ICC moves the entire tournament to another country. Then, what options will Pakistan have? Either they will say ‘we boycott the Champions Trophy’ or they agree to play at another venue. But after having rejected a hybrid model, will they consider playing in another country?
“I think that will be a difficult situation for Pakistan…It may turn into a big issue in political circles,” said Sethi. “If you have rejected a hybrid model after India refused to come and also rejected playing in another country, then you won’t play in the future ICC events also. So you are basically going to push yourself out of the ICC. And if you do that, then what will remain besides bilateral cricket? You don’t make much money in bilateral cricket because it is reciprocal,” he added.
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