 "Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan reportedly holds backchannel talks on Hybrid Model impasse, seeks clarity from ICC")
While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is looking for more clarity on the Champions Trophy 2025 from the International Cricket Council (ICC), efforts are also being made to convince Pakistan for a Hybrid Model that will help in accommodating Team India into the tournament without any hiccups. The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has been in limbo since the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided they would not send Team India to Pakistan for the tournament. The situation reached an impasse after Pakistan also decided against accepting a Hybrid Model which would have allowed Team India to play its matches in a neutral venue.
The PCB had hosted the 2023 Asia Cup in a Hybrid Model with India playing their matches in Sri Lanka, but Pakistan have this time taken a different position, saying they will not accept any compromise. They are even ready to boycott the tournament if hosting rights are taken away from them.
‘PCB engaged in back-channel negotiations over Champions Trophy’
Amid the situation of no progress, a report in Indian Today states that “top cricket administrators” are currently engaged in back-channel negotiations with the Pakistan board to convince them for a Hybrid Model. Pakistan have reportedly been made aware of the revenue India’s participation in the Champions Trophy can bring and also the losses PCB would have to incur in case they decide to pull out.
“We are still in discussions with the host and participating members on the Champions Trophy schedule. It should be out soon, likely in a couple of days or so,” a source told the India Today.
As per a report, Pakistan could lose around $65 million in hosting rights if they boycott the tournament.
Meanwhile, PCB head Mohsin Naqvi on Monday said they are in touch with ICC over BCCI’s objections and are waiting for their response.
“We are directly interacting with the ICC and we are still waiting for a response from them so we can take things forward,” Naqvi said without giving any clarity on when the Champions Trophy schedule will be announced.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsPCB ready to hold talks with BCCI
The cricket administrator added that the PCB is ready to hold talks with BCCI and help clear their concerns.
“If India has any concerns about sending their team to Pakistan they must talk to us and we will remove them. I don’t think there is any reason for India not to come to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy,” he added.
Naqvi also took a firm stance during his media interaction, stating that “Pakistan’s respect comes first and foremost" when asked whether the Champions Trophy would be held under the hybrid model or outside the country.
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