The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reached out to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to clarify its position on hosting the Champions Trophy 2025, amidst growing concerns over the hybrid model and its implications for future tournaments.
According to sources, the PCB has firmly stated that playing a match against India at a neutral venue under the hybrid model is not acceptable. The board has urged the ICC to propose an acceptable playing formula before its upcoming board meeting.
The PCB has also made it clear that if the hybrid model is enforced, Pakistan will not participate in future ICC events held in India. The sources said the PCB has urged the ICC to make a decision on this before its board meeting scheduled for tomorrow.
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An official response from the ICC is now awaited following PCB's clarification of its stance.
Meanwhile, reacting to the uncertainty about the venue of the tournament, former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi remarked that by "intertwining politics with sports", the Indian cricket board has "placed international cricket in a precarious position".
By intertwining politics with sports, the BCCI has placed international cricket in a precarious position. Fully support the PCB's stance against the hybrid model - especially since Pakistan (despite security concerns) has toured India five times, including a bilateral white-ball… pic.twitter.com/Xl4YBhCWuB
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) November 28, 2024
He posted on his official X account, "Fully support the PCB's stance against the hybrid model - especially since Pakistan (despite security concerns) has toured India five times, including a bilateral white-ball series, post-26/11."
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He suggested the ICC and its board of directors "uphold fairness and assert their authority".
On Nov 26, the ICC summoned a key board meeting for November 29. According to details, the ICC apprised all the cricket boards concerned of the situation. The meeting is likely to discuss the possible measures if India continues to show stubbornness for not coming to Pakistan.
Sources divulged that the PCB is expected to come up with its firm narrative in line with the hosting of the highly anticipated Champions Trophy. Pakistan will seek India’s answer for not travelling to the country for the mega event.
