Hybrid Champions Trophy: When will ICC take a call on Pakistan's fresh demands?

Pakistan Cricket Board wants a greater share in the annual revenue cycle and permission to play its games outside India in the future for letting the 2025 Champions Trophy becoming 'Hybrid'

Mohsin Naqvi Pakistan's interior minister and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi | AFP

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi said they will agree to the proposed "hybrid" model for hosting the Champions Trophy if the ICC is okay with Pakistan not travelling to India to play matches in the future. Mellowing down on the boycott stand, PCB also demanded a greater share in the annual revenue cycle for agreeing to the terms in favour of its neighbour.

The ICC should accept similar 'hybrid' models in favour of Pakistan during events to be held in India till 2031, Naqvi demanded. Till 2031, India are due to host three ICC men's events -- the 2026 T20 World Cup jointly with Sri Lanka, the 2029 Champions Trophy and the 2031 ODI World Cup jointly with Bangladesh.

Then there is next year's women's ODI World Cup in October, which is also to be hosted by the BCCI.

Given that Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are co-hosts for two major events, Pakistan would not be compelled to travel to India against their will. The point of contention could thus be the Women's World Cup and the 2029 Champions Trophy, which will be hosted exclusively by India.

Pakistan also expects the ICC to increase its financial cycle share of revenues from 5.75 percent. However, Naqvi's camp didn't demand any additional hosting fees, PTI said quoting a source in Islamabad.

The dilemma is expected to be resolved in the next couple of days after the ICC executive board considers Pakistan's demands, reported news agency PTI. The Champions Trophy is to be held in February-March.

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The ICC Board met briefly to find a solution on Friday but no agreement could be reached. The world body eventually told PCB to either accept the hybrid model or be prepared to be excluded from the tournament after Naqvi reiterated the unyielding position of his country.

The impasse has led to a delay in the announcement of the schedule for the tournament.

The PCB source claimed that Naqvi is sticking to his stance despite pressure and has even sought financial perks for the PCB to accept the hybrid model. Naqvi, who is also the interior minister in his country, also faces the prospect of a public backlash if PCB is seen to be backing down without any tangible gains.

Earlier, Naqvi also met Emirates Cricket Board head Mubashir Usmani in Dubai, conveying that Pakistan was ready to host the Champions Trophy and all the preparations were on schedule.

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