The ICC’s executive board members are holding discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to convince them to opt for a hybrid model for next year’s Champions Trophy. The proposal offers enhanced financial incentives to persuade the PCB to allow India to play its matches in the UAE.
Delay In Tournament Schedule Announcement
The schedule of the tournament has yet to be finalized. The delay comes after India made a public declaration that it could not come to Pakistan. It is therefore expected that the ICC will hold a meeting of its board executives on Tuesday to try and find a way out of this situation.
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“With the PCB not willing to budge on hosting the event under a hybrid model, they are now being offered additional financial incentives to end the deadlock,” a PTI insider said.
“Chances are by tomorrow , a clear picture will emerge after a virtual discussion by board representatives on under which format the Champions Trophy would eventually be held early next year,” he added.
Proposal Of Hybrid Model
According to sources of PTI, the PCB is being requested to pass a hybrid model in which India’s matches will be played in the UAE with the final being played at Dubai, provided India qualifies for it. As a concession to that, additional financial benefits are offered to the PCB.
“The PCB so far has resisted all such moves, insisting if India is not willing to play in Pakistan it is their problem as all the six other participating nations have no issues playing in Pakistan,” he said.
“The PCB is also insisting that even if it agrees to a hybrid model, the Pakistan and India group match and the final should be held in Lahore,” another insider said.
“Obviously, the Indian cricket board is not agreeable to this and is insisting India should play all its matches in Dubai, including the one against Pakistan, the semi-final and the final if they qualify for it,” he added.
Stance Of The PCB Chairman
“As far as we are concerned, all the preparations for the tournament, including the construction work at the three stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi is continuing on schedule,” a PCB official said.
Despite all this discussion and delay over the announcement of schedule, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is not ready to say a word about this. But at the same time, he does state that the Champions Trophy will take place in Pakistan as scheduled originally, and the hybrid model is not a favourite option for him.
