After the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided not to go to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, the spot for the Pakistan Cricket Board to host the tournament looks uncertain. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi strongly wants to hold the whole tournament in Pakistan, but it does not look possible. He may have to think about other options, as Pakistan could lose the chance to organize this big event.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has ordered the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to think about a hybrid model, where India’s matches would be designated in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Sports Tak reports that if the PCB does not walk according to the ICC’s plan, the whole tournament might be moved to South Africa.
It was earlier reported that the PCB is talking with the Pakistan government about what to do next.
If the PCB agrees, this won’t be the first time a multi-team tournament follows a hybrid model. The PCB used a hybrid model for the Asia Cup 2023, where India played its matches in Sri Lanka and eventually won the tournament.
Naqvi Denied
Last week, Naqvi denied any reports of discussions about a hybrid model.
“Till today, no one has discussed any ‘Hybrid Model’ with us nor are we willing to talk about it. But we have been showing good gestures for the last few years and no one should expect us to do it all the time,” Naqvi told the reporters at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
“I will take anything written to the government and whatever decision they take we have to follow them,” Naqvi added.
Due to uncertainty about the host country for the ICC Champions Trophy, the ICC has abandoned a key event in Lahore where they were supposed to announce the tournament schedule. Normally, ICC event schedules are known 100 days before the start date. However, the Champions Trophy schedule has not been released yet.
