As things stand, it would be best for Pakistan to adopt the hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy. PCB has remained steadfast about its decision to host the entire tournament, but things haven’t been the same. The BCCI has made it clear that India will not travel to Pakistan and now Sri Lanka A not playing the remainder of the two matches raises concerns.
The PCB and the BCCI have been at loggerheads for a long time about the India Cricket Team traveling to Pakistan. In the meantime, the ICC has been acting as the peacemaker between the two nations. But Sri Lanka A pulling out of the series a day prior to ICC’s virtual meeting has created major ripples in Pakistan.
“Some other cricket boards have also expressed concern. PCB may agree to a hybrid model,” sources told IANS.
India Proposed Hybrid Model
The BCCI informed PCB and the ICC that the India Cricket Team won’t be traveling to Pakistan due to the geo-political rivalry that the two countries share. As a result, India would be very happy to take part in the tournament if a hybrid model were used. Be it UAE, Sri Lanka or South Africa, the Men in Blue would gladly take part in the tournament.
Now, for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) things have taken a sharp turn. PCB had been playing hardball so far with ICC threatening to pull out and boycott the tournament if the hybrid model is used. But now, the situation has drastically changed. Sri Lanka A has pulled out of their series, after supporters of jailed former Prime Minister, Imran Khan have laid siege to the capital city.
