New Delhi: Representatives of the International Cricket Council (ICC) are actively engaging in discreet discussions with officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to advocate for the adoption of a hybrid model for the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy in the next calendar year, according to reliable sources.
These behind-the-scenes negotiations aim to persuade the PCB of the merits of the hybrid model as the optimal format for the tournament, emphasizing the necessity of India's participation and the inextricable link between the ICC tournament and the Indian cricket team. It is understood that senior ICC officials are exerting efforts to dissuade Pakistan from making any statements critical of India during this period.
Discussions are also underway with the hosting nation, Pakistan, and other participating teams of the ICC Champions Trophy next year regarding the scheduling of the event, with a likely announcement forthcoming in the coming days, as per the sources.
It has been confirmed that the Indian team, the 2017 finalists, will not be participating in matches in Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy, with their games scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as reported by Geo News.
In response to India's decision not to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy, the PCB has reached out to the ICC seeking clarification on India's refusal, as reported by Geo News. India has cited 'security concerns' as the reason for their decision not to participate.
During a press interaction at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, Naqvi, a representative of the PCB, expressed their anticipation for a reply from the ICC. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining the separation of sports and politics, stating, "We have submitted our queries to the ICC. We are awaiting their response. I firmly believe that sports and politics should remain distinct, and no country should intertwine the two. I still hold positive expectations for the Champions Trophy."
He further mentioned that all teams qualifying for the Champions Trophy 2025 are prepared to visit Pakistan, with the exception of India. "At this juncture, every team that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to visit. There are no issues. I also wish to mention that if India has any concerns, they should communicate them to us, and we will address those concerns," he added.
Earlier in the month, the ICC communicated to the PCB in writing that India would not be traveling to Pakistan to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled for early 2025. The PCB has since consulted with the Pakistani government and is in the process of presenting its position on the matter.
The PCB is advocating for India's participation, citing the precedent set by the Pakistan team's participation in the ICC Men's ODI World Cup in 2023, where they played their matches in Pakistan. The board also highlighted the success of hosting the Asian Trophy last year, which was conducted in a hybrid model, with India playing their matches in Sri Lanka. India and Pakistan last played a bilateral series in 2012-13, which was a white-ball series, and have since focused on participating in ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup.
