- PCB is open to a hybrid model but demands reciprocity for events hosted in India.
- India has cited “security concerns” to avoid traveling to Pakistan, without an official statement from the BCCI.
- Jay Shah’s leadership in ICC may influence the resolution process.
- Time constraints put ICC in a difficult position to finalize plans for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
PCB Proposes Hybrid Model with Conditions
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed willingness to consider a hybrid model for the upcoming Champions Trophy. This proposal comes with a significant condition: Pakistan wants a written agreement ensuring the same hybrid option for events hosted in India.
PCB raised this idea during recent discussions with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in Dubai. They emphasized the need for an equitable, long-term arrangement. The agreement would cover tournaments beyond 2025 and could extend until the current rights cycle ends in 2031.
Key tournaments in India during this period include the 2026 T20 World Cup, the 2029 Champions Trophy, and the 2031 World Cup. For these, the PCB insists on the option of playing outside India if needed.
Mohsin Naqvi Emphasizes Equality
PCB chair Mohsin Naqvi reinforced that any solution must respect Pakistan’s position. He rejected a “one-sided arrangement”, calling for equal treatment in hosting rights.
“If we adopt any formula other than hosting in Pakistan, it will be based on equality,” Naqvi said in Dubai. He stressed the need for fairness, stating, “It cannot be that Pakistan keeps traveling to India, but India doesn’t come to Pakistan.”
While the BCCI remains silent, the PCB’s proposal highlights the long-standing tension between the two cricket boards. This debate is particularly pressing given India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Possible Outcomes for the Tournament
Discussions have yielded three potential options for the Champions Trophy:
- A hybrid model, where India plays matches outside Pakistan.
- Shifting the entire tournament to another country.
- Proceeding with the event without India’s participation.
Last week, the ICC gave PCB time to negotiate directly with the BCCI. However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs cited “security concerns” as the reason for refusing to travel. Despite this, the BCCI has not issued a public statement explaining its stance.
Jay Shah’s New Role Adds Complexity
The situation took a new turn as Jay Shah, BCCI secretary since 2019, became the ICC chair on December 1. His appointment brings uncertainty about how this issue will unfold.
Imran Khwaja, the outgoing ICC deputy chair, had been handling the Champions Trophy discussions. It is unclear if Shah will continue the same approach. With Shah’s influence in both BCCI and ICC, the resolution could shift dramatically.
ICC Faces Challenges with Tournament Planning
The ICC is under pressure as time ticks down to the Champions Trophy. The schedule, usually announced 100 days before the event, is still pending. With just 77 days left, there’s no clarity on ticketing or travel arrangements for fans.
The ongoing deadlock adds to ICC’s challenges in organizing the eight-team tournament. Resolving the venue issue is critical to ensuring smooth preparations and accommodating international cricket fans.
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