The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has firmly rejected the proposed hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy, emphasizing its commitment to hosting the tournament entirely within Pakistan.
PCB Rejects Hybrid Model for Champions Trophy 2025 Ahead of ICC Meeting
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially rejected the proposed hybrid model for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. This decision comes just before a crucial ICC board meeting scheduled to finalize the tournament’s hosting arrangements.
The PCB has communicated its stance to the International Cricket Council (ICC), asserting that it will not accept a hybrid model that allows matches involving India to be played at neutral venues.
Initially, the PCB had considered a hybrid model under specific conditions.
They stated that if India could not play in Pakistan, then similar arrangements should apply to all ICC events hosted in India until 2031.
“I can confirm that PCB has a few hours back told the ICC that a Hybrid Model is not acceptable to them,” news agency PTI quoted a source as saying
However, this proposal was contingent on receiving written confirmation from the BCCI regarding their government’s stance on travel to Pakistan.
The PCB emphasized that any refusal to travel must be supported by official government directives.
PCB’s Firm Stance on Hosting Rights
The PCB’s rejection of the hybrid model stems from a desire to ensure that Pakistan receives fair treatment in international cricket.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed frustration over the ongoing situation, stating, “How is it fair that we always travel to India for matches, yet they do not come to Pakistan?” He underscored the importance of equal footing in cricketing relations between the two nations.
“I can confirm initially the PCB had looked at the possibility of a Hybrid model on the condition that if India can’t play in Pakistan, then in future there would be Hybrid models in all ICC events in India right until 2031 (ODI World Cup in India and Bangladesh) as Pakistan would not go and play in India,” the source said.
Marco Jansen’s 7-Wicket Masterclass Destroys Sri Lanka for Record-Low 42
Moreover, the PCB has highlighted its commitment to hosting the Champions Trophy entirely within Pakistan. They believe that allowing matches to occur outside the country would undermine their hosting rights and diminish the significance of the event. Naqvi reiterated that the PCB will act in Pakistan’s best interests during negotiations with the ICC
Ongoing Tensions Between India and Pakistan
The backdrop of this decision is rooted in long-standing political tensions between India and Pakistan.
Since the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008, India has not toured Pakistan, leading to complications in bilateral cricket relations.
“Under ICC regulations if any team says its government is not allowing it to play in another nation on whatever grounds that board has to submit their government’s directives in writing which we have not seen so far,” the source said.
The PCB has been vocal about its grievances regarding this situation, especially as they prepare to host a significant international tournament.
As preparations for the Champions Trophy continue, the ICC faces pressure to resolve these issues swiftly.
The board meeting will address potential alternatives for hosting arrangements while considering both countries’ security concerns. With time running out before the tournament, a consensus is crucial for ensuring a successful event.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram
