The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it will not accept the hybrid model for hosting the Champions Trophy and urged the governing body to exclude the option from discussions in Friday’s board meeting.
The ICC has scheduled a virtual meeting with executive members to address scheduling issues for the marquee event following India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan. “The PCB has formally communicated to the ICC that the hybrid model is not acceptable,” a source told PTI.
The PCB has consistently opposed the hybrid model and has advised the ICC to explore alternative solutions for staging the tournament. The board argued that adopting a hybrid model would set a precedent of preferential treatment for India.
“Initially, the PCB considered the possibility of a hybrid model on the condition that if India refused to play in Pakistan, future ICC events in India up to 2031, including the ODI World Cup in India and Bangladesh, would follow a hybrid format, allowing Pakistan to avoid playing in India,” the source added.
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The PCB has also asked the ICC to clarify whether the BCCI had provided an official letter from the Indian government confirming its refusal to permit the Indian team to play in Pakistan. According to ICC regulations, any team citing government restrictions must submit written documentation of the directive.
While acknowledging the BCCI’s significant contribution to ICC revenues, the PCB emphasized Pakistan’s role in generating income through high-profile matches, particularly those against India.
The timing of the virtual ICC meeting is yet to be confirmed.