With less than a day to go before the decisive meeting on the Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has escalated its resistance to the International Cricket Council (ICC). The PCB has firmly rejected the hybrid model, urging the ICC to propose a more acceptable alternative.
The ICC board is set to convene virtually at 2:30 PM Dubai time (4:00 PM IST) to deliberate on the fate of the eight-team Champions Trophy. The tournament, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, faces uncertainty following the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision not to send its team to Pakistan.
Sources indicate that the PCB has doubled down on its opposition to the hybrid model, under which India-related matches would be hosted at a neutral venue. This stance marks a tactical move to pressure the ICC. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stressed the importance of fairness, saying, “Pakistan cannot continue playing in India while Indian teams refuse to tour Pakistan. This imbalance is unacceptable.”
When questioned about the possibility of ICC members supporting the hybrid model, Naqvi maintained, “Our position is clear. We will defend Pakistan’s interests.” The PCB has expressed frustration with the hybrid format, viewing it as a compromise that undermines their sovereignty as hosts.
Adding to the tension, the meeting comes just days after Sri Lanka’s abrupt withdrawal from a tour of Pakistan due to political unrest. The PCB has downplayed this incident, arguing that political instability should not be conflated with security concerns for the tournament.
The ICC faces significant challenges in resolving this impasse. The board must balance the competing interests of Pakistan and India while addressing commercial commitments. The Champions Trophy is already behind schedule, with the ICC failing to meet the 90-day deadline to announce fixtures.
It remains uncertain if a resolution will emerge from Friday’s meeting. The ICC may propose alternatives, but further consultation with the PCB and Pakistan’s government could delay final decisions.
Also, see:
Top 10 Spectacular Waterfalls in Pakistan
Topics #featured #News #trending pakistan
