PCB reiterates stance on Champions Trophy, not willing to accept hybrid model

With the ICC Champions Trophy meeting just hours away and the controversy surrounding India’s decision to skip the event in Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been able to further solidify its position on the competition.

The PCB has come forward and informed the ICC that they will not accept the tournament’s highly contested hybrid concept. The ICC will decide the Champions Trophy outcome at its meeting, which is scheduled for 2:30 PM Dubai time (4:00 PM IST).

Fascinatingly, the hybrid model might observe that the Indian squad would prefer to participate at a neutral location rather than in Pakistan. There is still no answer, and the Champions Trophy is scheduled for the period between February 19 and March 9.

Taking center stage recently, Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the PCB,

discussed his efforts to safeguard the interests of his board. Pakistan will no longer take part in Indian competitions as long as Indian officials continue to forbid sending teams to Pakistan. An inequality like that is unacceptable. Our position is widely known. Pakistan’s interests will be protected,” Naqvi was cited as adding.

It’s noteworthy that Pakistan was also considered to host the 2024 Asia Cup. But as the BCCI wouldn’t allow the Indian team to travel, India played their matches in Sri Lanka, and the tournament was held using a hybrid format. Additionally, India is expected to reciprocate Pakistan’s visit to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup.

The next meeting can be a critical test for the boards and the ICC. In the meeting, the ICC wants to suggest options that work for everyone, but since the PCB is rejecting a hybrid approach, it doesn’t appear that this is currently achievable.