The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly agreed to a hybrid model for hosting the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 to address India’s reluctance to play matches in Pakistan. According to India Today, the PCB has proposed conditions to safeguard its hosting rights while accommodating India’s concerns.
Hybrid Model Details
Under the proposed model, India’s matches will be played at a neutral venue, likely Dubai. However, the PCB has stipulated that if India does not progress in the tournament, key matches, including the final, will be held in Lahore.
Additionally, Pakistan has asserted that if India hosts any future ICC events, Pakistani matches will also be held at neutral venues.
Safeguarding Hosting Rights
The PCB’s conditions aim to protect Pakistan’s hosting status for the Champions Trophy, awarded in 2021. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has emphasized that the arrangement must uphold Pakistan’s dignity and be mutually acceptable.
“A one-sided approach is unacceptable. This will not happen that we will visit [India] and they do not [visit Pakistan],” Naqvi stated during discussions in Dubai.
Background of Tensions
Political tensions between India and Pakistan have long prevented bilateral cricketing ties, with the Indian government refusing to allow its team to travel to Pakistan since 2008. Matches between the two nations have been limited to multi-team events at neutral venues.
The situation mirrors the Asia Cup 2023, where India played all their matches in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model, despite Pakistan being the official host.
ICC Meeting Outcomes
Friday’s ICC meeting, attended by 12 full members and three associate members, was chaired by the ICC Chairman, with Naqvi participating virtually. Discussions underscored the hybrid model as the “only acceptable solution” for ensuring India’s participation while maintaining Pakistan’s hosting rights.
Pakistan has prepared three venues for the Champions Trophy, and the PCB has proposed that matches involving India will be held in Dubai unless India progresses to the semi-finals or finals, which may then be staged in Lahore under certain conditions.
Implications for Future Tournaments
The PCB has made it clear that future ICC events must also adhere to equitable arrangements, setting a precedent for dealing with similar diplomatic and logistical challenges.
“Any formula agreed upon will not only apply to the Champions Trophy but will also have long-term implications,” Naqvi said, emphasizing the need for a balanced and sustainable resolution.
As discussions continue, the cricketing world awaits a resolution that balances the sport’s global spirit with the complexities of regional politics.
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