Pakistan rejects hybrid model for Champions Trophy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has formally rejected the proposed hybrid model for hosting the Champions Trophy as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) ahead of Friday’s ICC Board of Directors meeting. 

According to sources, the PCB has reaffirmed its stance on retaining exclusive hosting rights for the tournament and ruled out sharing responsibilities with any other country.

In a communication prior to the meeting, PCB officials made it clear that Pakistan was prepared to host the event independently and will not accept conditions that undermine its sovereignty as a host. 

“If the ICC has a feasible solution to the current impasse, they should share it with us before the meeting so we can come prepared and work towards a resolution,” a PCB insider said.

“It’s unacceptable for the Pakistani team to travel to India for matches while they refuse to send their team to Pakistan.” 

Earlier at a press conference, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said that all decisions would be made in the best interest of Pakistani cricket. “We will field our strongest team for the Champions Trophy and take steps that safeguard our cricketing future,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), through its media channels, has reportedly raised security concerns over hosting the event in Pakistan.

Citing a recent political protest in Islamabad and the postponement of Sri Lanka A’s tour to Pakistan, the BCCI has allegedly been pushing to either strip Pakistan of hosting rights or impose a hybrid model. 

The ICC Board of Directors is scheduled to deliberate on the future of the Champions Trophy at its meeting on Friday.