An undated picture of an ICC constructing. — AFP/FileHybrid mannequin nonetheless an possibility, say sources. PCB, nevertheless, has already rejected hybrid mannequin.Different choices embrace relocating whole occasion to impartial venue.
KARACHI: The Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC) is about to convene a digital assembly on Friday to deliberate on the way forward for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is clouded by uncertainty following India’s refusal to journey to Pakistan.
Whereas uncommon, there are precedents in sports activities the place groups or contingents have been changed on account of an incapability to take part in occasions hosted by particular international locations. As an illustration, the 1980 Moscow Olympics proceeded with out a number of nations. Nonetheless, the ICC’s decision-making could differ considerably from the Worldwide Olympic Committee.
One proposal into account entails a hybrid mannequin, with Pakistan internet hosting most matches whereas video games involving India are held in a impartial venue, probably the UAE.
Sources throughout the Pakistan Cricket Board acknowledged that the PCB has already rejected the hybrid mannequin however a supply in ICC insisted on the potential of it nonetheless being an possibility. If such a mannequin is proposed, the PCB — it’s anticipated — will insist that no Pakistan matches, together with the group match towards India, are scheduled outdoors Pakistan.
The supply in ICC emphasised {that a} match and not using a Pakistan-India match is unlikely to achieve traction.
Different choices embrace relocating the whole occasion to a impartial venue or suspending it to a later date. Moreover, there’s hypothesis that, to pressurise Pakistan to melt its stance, the ICC may suggest stripping Pakistan of internet hosting rights altogether, a transfer that the PCB is anticipated to strongly oppose.
The PCB has formally requested the ICC to supply detailed and workable proposals forward of Friday’s assembly. It has additionally reiterated its request for the Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI) to submit its place in writing, together with causes and supporting proof for India’s refusal to tour.
One other supply confirmed that the PCB has knowledgeable the ICC it can not settle for the hybrid mannequin.
Late Wednesday, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi visited Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, the place he assured stakeholders that he would advocate for what’s in Pakistan cricket’s greatest pursuits. He additionally dismissed the notion of abandoning Pakistan’s longstanding stance towards monetary compensation over internet hosting rights.
