Last update:November 30, 2024, 8:52 p.m. IST

The tournament is scheduled to take place in February-March and India has refused to travel to Pakistan citing security concerns.

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi all but confirms hybrid model for ICC Champions Trophy 2025. (Photo credit: AFP)

Reversing its boycott threat, the Pakistan Cricket Board has told the ICC that it is ready to accept the “hybrid” model to host next year’s Champions Trophy, provided the world body allows the same arrangement for events taking place in India until 2031.

What was disclosed by a PCB source in Karachi was virtually confirmed by its chief Mohsin Naqvi in ​​Dubai a few hours later. The tournament is scheduled to take place in February-March and India has refused to travel to Pakistan citing security concerns.

“I don’t want to comment too much because it can spoil things. We gave our point of view (to the ICC), the Indians also gave theirs. The aim is to ensure a win-win situation for all,” Naqvi told reporters.

“Cricket should win, that’s the most important thing but with respect for everyone. We will do what is best for cricket. Whatever formula we choose, it will be on an equal footing,” he added.

“Pakistan pride is the most important. We have to make sure that cricket wins, but Pakistan’s pride also remains intact.”

The latest proposal is a withdrawal from the PCB, which had previously threatened to boycott the tournament if its organizing rights were not fully granted and India’s request for a neutral venue was accepted.

Asked if Pakistan had agreed to this arrangement now, Naqvi said: “Let’s see what happens. »

“My effort is to ensure that there is no one-sided system. We should not travel to India and they should not come to our country. The idea is to settle this problem once and for all on a level playing field. »

In Karachi, a PCB source said the Board was also demanding a bigger share of the annual revenue cycle for agreeing to the model where India would play its share of matches, including the clash against Pakistan, in Dubai.

“The current situation is that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has stated that he will only agree to host the Champions Trophy on a hybrid model if the board agrees that in future, all ICC events will be held on the same system with Pakistan not going to India to play matches,” the source told PTI.

“Pakistan also wants the ICC board to increase its share of financial cycle revenue from 5.75 percent and Naqvi insists on this, but he has not asked for additional accommodation fees” , he added.

Till 2031, India is scheduled to host three ICC men’s events: the 2026 T20 World Cup jointly with Sri Lanka, the 2029 Champions Trophy and the 2031 ODI World Cup jointly with Bangladesh.

Given that Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are jointly hosting two major events, Pakistan would not be obliged to travel to India if it insisted not to do so. The point of contention could only be the 2029 Champions Trophy, which will take place entirely in India.

Another flashpoint could be next year’s Women’s ODI World Cup in October, which will also be held in India.

The situation surrounding next year’s Champions Trophy is expected to be resolved in the coming days after the ICC board considers Pakistan’s latest demands.

The ICC board met briefly to find a solution on Friday, but no agreement could be reached.

The world body ultimately asked the PCB to either accept the hybrid model or prepare to be kicked out of the tournament after Naqvi reiterated his country’s unbending stance.

The impasse led to a delay in announcing the tournament schedule.

Naqvi, who is also his country’s interior minister, faces the prospect of a public backlash if the PCB backs down without any tangible gains.

Earlier in the day, he met Emirates Cricket Board chief Mubashir Usmani in Dubai, telling him that Pakistan was ready to host the Champions Trophy and all preparations were on schedule.

The PCB source, however, dismissed speculation that the Board would get a $20 million bonus on top of the six million dollar organizing fee for the Champions Trophy for giving in to India’s demands .

“Pakistan has taken only one stance and that is that in future they will also not play India in any ICC event and the hybrid model should be applied in all future ICC events according to which Pakistan and India will play their matches at neutral venues,” he said. said.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)

Location :

Karachi, Pakistan