ICC meeting postponed again as India rejects PCB formula

DUBAI: An important ICC meeting, scheduled for today in Dubai to discuss the future of the Champions Trophy, has been postponed once again. The delay comes after India rejected a “long-term” formula proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had traveled to Dubai for the meeting, which could not even begin due to India’s firm stance. The meeting was expected to address the dispute emerged after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s refusal to send its team to Pakistan.

Pakistan, in turn, raised concerns over the ‘hybrid formula’ for this eight-team tournament. The PCB proposed a new arrangement under which matches involving Pakistan and India, including Champions Trophy fixtures, would be held at neutral venues for the next three years.

Sources indicate that Thursday’s meeting was intended to make a final decision on PCB’s proposal. However, India remained insistent on the hybrid formula and rejected the PCB’s proposal outright.

The crucial meeting to determine the fate of the Champions Trophy will now take place on December 7. If India once again refuses to play in Pakistan, the high-profile Pakistan-India clash is likely to be scheduled in Dubai, according to sources.

Before leaving for Dubai, Naqvi visited the National Stadium in Karachi to inspect the renovation and up-gradation process.

During his visit, Naqvi instructed for high-quality work alongside maintaining speed in completing the project for the ICC championship.

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According to the up-gradation plan, a new building is being built in front of the main structure. The new building will consist of four floors with enclosures for VIP, gallery, and media boxes.  New LDA lights on the stadium poles would be installed as well.

Naqvi stated that fans will also enjoy a unique laser light show for the first time in cricket history. To facilitate spectators, he instructed that the parking area be relocated closer to the stadium.

Under his directives, both scoreboards will now be installed at a higher elevation. This adjustment will ensure spectators have an uninterrupted view of the match.