Pakistan ready to accept hybrid Champions Trophy, seeks uniform ICC policy: Sources

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is willing to accept a Hybrid model for next year’s Champions Trophy if the International Cricket Council (ICC) implements the same policy for all ICC events going till 2031. The schedule for the upcoming 50-over tournament is yet to be announced with less than three months amidst PCB and its chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s stance that Pakistan would not accept the Hybrid model.

After India refused to go to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy due to security concerns, PCB were adamant to not move any of the matches out of the country. Thereafter, the ICC proposed the idea of a hybrid model to which Pakistan responded that it was off the table. The PCB chief had also said that India not playing cricket in Pakistan is unacceptable.

The ICC board meeting, attended by representatives from all 12 full members, three associate members, and the ICC chair, concluded without reaching a consensus. However, the anticipated agreement from the PCB signals a potential resolution.

During this while, the PCB chairman also met Mubashir Usmani, the Emirates Cricket Board head, in Dubai. Usmani serves as the chairman of the ICC’s Associate Members Committee. Sources reported that Naqvi assured the situation in Pakistan remains stable, and all teams participating in the mega-event will receive state-level security.

As reported earlier, the PCB had set certain terms for accepting the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy.

India to play in Dubai

All matches featuring the Indian cricket team, including group stage games, semi-finals, and the final (if qualified), will be held in Dubai. This decision follows the Indian government’s stance against sending its team to Pakistan.

Backup Hosting in Lahore

If India doesn’t advance beyond the group stages, Pakistan will host the semi-finals and the final in Lahore.

Neutral Venues for ICC Tournaments

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed that if India hosts any future ICC events, Pakistan’s matches should be held at neutral venues instead of in India. This suggestion stems from the ongoing political tensions between the two nations, which have impacted their bilateral cricketing ties and led to similar arrangements in the past for other tournaments.