The BCCI vs PCB ICC Champions Trophy impasse is nearing an end. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has relented under pressure. It is now ready to accept the hybrid model after refusing to do so in the two meetings that had to be adjourned. In this hybrid model, Pakistan will be the primary hosts while India will play their matches at a neutral venue, most likely in the UAE. That also means the India vs Pakistan match will also take place in the UAE.
However, PCB has put three conditions to accept the hybrid model as per a PTI report. As India refuses to travel to Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy, the host nation wants the ICC to ensure a neutral venue for Pakistan’s matches at all future events hosted by India.
3 conditions by Pakistan
- Neutral venue for Pakistan if India host ICC events
- Champions Trophy Semifinal and Final in Pakistan if India are knocked out
- Dubai will host all India’s matches
Hybrid model if India host ICC events
One of the demands PCB has put forward is a hybrid model for Pakistan if India hosts any ICC events. If accepted, Pakistan will play their matches at a different venue in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Men’s Champions Trophy 2029 and Men’s World Cup 2031.
India’s hosting rights:
- Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025
- Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (with Sri Lanka)
- ICC Champions Trophy 2029
- Men’s World Cup 2031 (with Bangladesh)
There is also the discussion over Asia Cup 2025. While it’s an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) event, it is likely that Pakistan will refuse to travel to India. With Mohsin Naqvi, the current PCB chief, set to take over from Jay Shah as the ACC chief, he might allow a hybrid model for Asia Cup 2025.
Champions Trophy Semifinal and Final in Lahore
PCB has also demanded that the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal and final be held in Lahore. But it will only be a backup venue if India fail to make the knockouts. In that case, the neutral venue won’t matter. But if India qualify for the semifinal or final, both matches will be held in Dubai. Dubai as the other host is a demand by the PCB.
Mohsin Naqvi met Emirates Cricket Board head Mubashir Usmani on Saturday. While the reason was not revealed, it is likely to do with the discussions on the hybrid model.
The ICC Champions Trophy is set to begin in February and will conclude in the first week of March. If the BCCI does not accept PCB’s proposals, there could be a situation where ICC is forced to go ahead without Pakistan and risk losing millions in revenue and also attract the broadcaster’s wrath over no India vs Pakistan matches in the Champions Trophy. But if such a radical situation arises, Sri Lanka will make it to the Champions Trophy as the backup.
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