Even as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) seems to have shifted its firm stance and have accepted the hybrid model, a new deadlock has emerged now. With the PCB wanting a similar hybrid model to be adopted for ICC tournaments to be hosted by India in future, the BCCI has downright refused the agreement which has added to the impasse. It is understood that the BCCI will not accept to this hybrid model as there are no security concerns in India that warrants such an arrangement.
Before the ICC board meeting last Friday the PCB was firm in its stance that the Champions Trophy would not be conducted in a hybrid model which will see India’s matches being played in a neutral venue. However, with BCCI also sticking to instance and the ICC hinting at the possibility of shifting the entire Champions Trophy out of Pakistan in case the hybrid model isn’t accepted, the PCB had very little choice.
As reported by this publication earlier, any decision taken with regards to the Champions Trophy was always bound to have a bearing on future ICC tournaments hosted by both India and Pakistan. And with India making it clear that they won’t be travelling across the border, Pakistan also wants a similar arrangement in place.
It is understood that the PCB wants the ICC to pick a neutral venue for Pakistan’s women’s team matches in the next year’s 50-over World Cup to be hosted by India. Similarly, for the three men’s events – T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy and 50-over World Cup – PCB wants a hybrid model in place which will ensure their team doesn’t need to travel to India.
But the BCCI is unlikely to accept to this proposal from the PCB. The BCCI has maintained security issues as a prime reason for not sending its team to Pakistan. Last month, the Indian government denied clearance to its blind cricket team to travel to Pakistan for the T20 World Cup security reasons. And the BCCI’s contention is that there are no real security threats in India and there is no reason for them to accept a hybrid model.
With PCB wanting a written assurance and if the BCCI doesn’t accept the model, it remains to be seen how the ICC will react as the clock is ticking for the Champions Trophy.
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