The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is grappling with a tough choice over its participation in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. A deadlock with the ICC over the proposed Hybrid Model, which allows India to play its matches in Dubai, remains unresolved. The event, scheduled for February-March, could have serious financial, legal, and diplomatic repercussions if Pakistan decides to withdraw.
Hybrid Model Stalemate
The Hybrid Model, which will shift Pakistan’s matches outside India due to security concerns, is opposed by the PCB, but the ICC has agreed with it in principle and is looking for formal confirmation.
“Pakistan has not only signed a host agreement with the ICC but like all other participating nations in the event it has also signed a mandatory members participation agreement with the ICC,” the administrator explained to PTI
“It is only after a member nation signs the MPA for playing in an ICC event that it is eligible to get a share of revenues earned from ICC events.”
Legal And Financial Risks
If Pakistan withdraws from the tournament, it risks lawsuits from the ICC and potential financial losses for all stakeholders, as the broadcasting deal requires at least one Pakistan-India match. The PCB also faces the threat of alienation from other cricket boards, as its Hybrid Model has not gained widespread support.
“Most importantly when the ICC signed a broadcasting deal for all its events rights it has given a guarantee to them that all ICC members are available to play in their events including the Champions Trophy,” he said.
“The estimated bid a broadcaster makes for a long-term deal with the ICC is only after he has calculated the estimated value of all matches involving all countries and it is no surprise that the broadcaster offsets his loss of revenues from other matches with the estimated earnings from selling commercial spots and other rights for the Pakistan and India fixture .”
Tough Choices Ahead For PCB
The PCB has to accept Hybrid Model or face judicial challenges and reputational damage. Being short of ICC’s and other boards’ support, the consequences of the final decision will have a long-term impact on where Pakistan would stand in world cricket.
“PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has to come clean on the whole issue. MPA’s are the same for all countries and unless the PCB has kept some safeguard clauses in their host agreement with the ICC for the CT they face a tricky situation.” according to PTI
ICC Delays In Releasing The Final Schedule
“The truth is the ICC kept on sweeping the issue of whether India would send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy under the carpet or ignoring it even when this elephant in the room was brought to their notice several times since the board granted hosting rights to Pakistan,” he added.
“Even the signing of the hosting rights was delayed until late last year within the PCB because they wanted a clear answer from the ICC and BCCi on this issue,” said the administrator.
(With PTI Inputs)
