There seems to be no middle ground between the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over ICC Champions Trophy. In the latest development, the BCCI has decided against accepting PCB’s demand of not playing their matches in India during ICC events. The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be hosted from February 19 to March 9.
According to a report in The Telegraph India, Sources while speaking to the publication on Tuesday said that the BCCI has sent a clear message to the ICC brass. The BCCI’s contention is simple there is no security threat in India and hence no question of accepting such an arrangement
India are scheduled to host multiple ICC events in the next decade, including the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 and the T20 World Cup in 2026 jointly with Sri Lanka. The 2029 Champions Trophy and 2031 ODI World Cup are also scheduled to be held in India.
Pakistan’s condition over accepting Hybrid model
According to ESPNCricinfo report, The PCB is advocating for a long-term agreement that would extend beyond the 2025 Champions Trophy. This would guarantee that Pakistan has the option to play its matches outside India during ICC events.
The discussions are ongoing, and it remains uncertain whether the arrangement will last only for the next three years or continue until the end of the current rights cycle in 2031. India is all set to host 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, 2029 Champions Trophy, and 2031 Men’s ODI World Cup.
Will there be any more Twist in Hampions Trophy saga?
As per the report sources indicate that all parties concerned are negotiating towards a resolution and the ICC board is set to meet soon. Further developments are on the cards as Jay Shah, the former BCCI secretary, has taken over the chairmanship of the ICC board. This will further raise the complexity of negotiations as is underway.
