New Delhi (Nilesh Tiwari), December 10: As the debate continues over Pakistan’s hosting of the Champions Trophy 2025, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to take a decision soon on this huge tournament in the following year, on Wednesday. Apparently, there are news reports about the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) demanding from the ICC a written guarantee on the hybrid model for future ICC tournaments after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) notified ICC that the Indian team would not travel to Pakistan in line with Government of India policy.
The PCB has agreed to hybridize the Champions Trophy, with Pakistan hosting the remaining matches and India playing its matches in Dubai. India will also compete in the semifinals and finals in Dubai, pending qualification.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) requires a written guarantee from the World body (ICC) regarding the hybrid model for future international events to be held in India. The decision on the Champions Trophy is most likely by Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Emirates Cricket Board has kept a close watch on the ICC’s decision over the Champions Trophy. Sources indicate that it is almost certain to have India’s matches played in Dubai. Before meeting the PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi with respect to the matter getting finalized, the meeting was held with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday. Sharif has often said that before sanctioning any settlement, the PCB will consult with the government.
Champions Trophy 2025 has been scheduled from February 19 to March 9. The BCCI has been facing troubles, citing that it does not have the Indian government’s clearance to travel to Pakistan to play its matches. It will be an eight-team tournament.
