File photo of a cricket match between India and Pakistan© AFP
Former all-rounder Yusuf Pathan, a member of India's 2011 and 2007 T20 World Cup-winning teams, backed the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision not to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the ICC Champions next year Trophy. . India has stood firm on its stand of not sending the team across the border for the big event to be held early next year. Yusuf welcomed the decision and praised the Indian cricket board for considering the safety and interests of its players. “BCCI always thinks about the players and their safety. So whatever BCCI does is in the interest of the players and the nation,” Pathan told ANI. While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been adamant about hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan, recent developments have indicated that the impasse has been broken.
In recent developments, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the PCB have reportedly reached an agreement in principle to adopt a hybrid model for global tournaments hosted in Pakistan or India until 2027.
This model would allow both countries to play their matches at ICC tournaments hosted by the other country at a neutral venue. Although sources confirmed the deal to ESPNcricinfo, the PCB, the official host of the 2025 Champions Trophy, has not commented publicly and only stated that discussions are ongoing.
It is still unclear whether the hybrid model will apply to both men's and women's tournaments. In the ICC's current commercial cycle (2024-2027), three global events are scheduled in both countries: the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in February 2025, the Women's ODI World Cup in India later in 2025, and the T20 World Cup for Gentlemen. Cup in 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
According to ESPNcricinfo, the agreement was reportedly reached after meetings between new ICC chairman Jay Shah and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Dubai.
These discussions took place alongside a courtesy meeting of the board of directors hosted by Shah during his visit to the ICC headquarters in his new role. A formal board meeting is scheduled for Saturday to discuss the Champions Trophy.
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