The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has changed its mind about a boycott threat and said it will accept a ‘Hybrid’ model for the upcoming Champions Trophy. However, they want this model to apply to all future International Cricket Council (ICC) events in India until 2031.
A PCB official reported that they are also asking for a bigger share of the money made from these events if they agree to the hybrid model. This model would mean that while India plays some of its matches in Dubai, Pakistan wouldn’t have to play any matches in India due to safety concerns. The Champions Trophy is scheduled for February-March next year.
Earlier, the PCB threatened to boycott the tournament if they didn’t get full hosting rights and if India’s request for matches at a neutral venue was accepted. Now, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that they will only host the Champions Trophy if it applies to all future ICC events as well, meaning Pakistan would not have to travel to India for any matches.
Until 2031, India is supposed to host three major ICC events, including the 2029 Champions Trophy which will be entirely in India. Because Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will co-host two other events, Pakistan doesn’t have to travel to India for these, except for the Champions Trophy in 2029.
The uncertainty around next year’s Champions Trophy is expected to be solved soon as the ICC team will discuss Pakistan’s demands. Their meeting on Friday didn’t reach an agreement, and the ICC has told PCB to either accept the hybrid model or risk being left out of the tournament. The delay has postponed the announcement of the tournament schedule.
The PCB source mentioned that Naqvi is standing firm on his views even under pressure. He’s also looking for a larger share of the revenue, increasing it from 5.75 percent. Although he hasn’t asked for extra hosting fees, he wants more financial support.
There is talk that Naqvi might have sought permission from the government to share this stance in the ICC meeting. As the interior minister, he could face backlash if PCB is seen to be backing down without real benefits.
Naqvi had earlier met with the Emirates Cricket Board to show Pakistan’s readiness to host the Champions Trophy, claiming everything is on track. However, the PCB has dismissed rumors that they would receive a bonus of $20 million on top of the $6 million hosting fees for agreeing to India’s demands. The PCB insists that it will continue to advocate for the hybrid model for all future matches between Pakistan and India at neutral venues.
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