According to Times of India, sources said that back channel talks are going on between International Cricket Council (ICC) officials and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to encourage the adoption of a hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for next year.
According to sources, these talks aim to highlight why the hybrid model is the most viable option and emphasize the importance of including the Indian cricket team in the tournament. Sources also mention that top ICC officials are urging Pakistan to refrain from making statements against India.
Discussions about the tournament schedule are ongoing with host nation Pakistan and other participating teams, with an announcement expected in the coming days. India, the 2017 finalists, will play their matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) rather than traveling to Pakistan, according to reports.
Geo News reported that the PCB has written to the ICC seeking clarification on India’s refusal to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, which India has justified by citing ‘security concerns.’
Speaking at a press interaction at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Naqvi noted that the PCB is still waiting for a response from the ICC. He emphasized the need to keep sports and politics separate: “We have sent them [ICC] the questions we had. We are still waiting for their response. I believe that sports and politics are separate and no country should mix the two. Even now I still have positive expectations about the Champions Trophy,” Naqvi told the press on Monday.
Naqvi added that all qualified teams, except India, have confirmed their willingness to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy: “At this moment, every team that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to come. Nobody has any issues. I will say today also, if India has any concerns, speak to us about them, we can ease those concerns. I don’t think there is any reason for them not to visit,” he added.
Earlier this month, the ICC informed the PCB in writing that India would not be traveling to Pakistan for the tournament, which is set for early 2025. The PCB has consulted the Pakistan government on the matter and is preparing to present its stance. The board argues that India should visit Pakistan, pointing out that Pakistan’s team traveled to India for the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup in 2023.
Pakistan previously hosted the Asian Trophy using a hybrid model, with India’s matches held in Sri Lanka. The two teams have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13 and now mainly face each other in ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
