File photo of a cricket match between India and Pakistan© AFP
There is no end in sight to the controversy surrounding the 2025 Champions Trophy. The match was supposed to take place in Pakistan, but India refused to travel citing security reasons. India's decision sparked massive debate over the future of the tournament, with a 'hybrid' strategy emerging as the best-case scenario. It means the matches with India will take place in Dubai, with the final also shifting to the UAE if India qualify. While reports claim that both countries have reached an agreement on these scenarios, with Pakistan adding a number of conditions of its own, nothing concrete has been confirmed by the boards or the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Amid the ongoing discussion, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said he is still hoping for an 'amicable solution' and added that he does not want any kind of 'bitterness'.
“We [BCCI] prefer a hybrid model. But since the ICC chairman is already taking care of it and is in talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board, we are hoping for an amicable solution with both the countries. [India and Pakistan] agreeing to it without any bitterness,” Shukla told PTI, according to News18.
“The main focus is on the safety of our players and that is why we cannot send them to Pakistan. We are looking for a middle ground to resolve matters,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) decision to organize the 2025 Champions Trophy in a hybrid format following India's refusal to travel across the border has caused discontent within the organization, with sources telling IANS that many members dissatisfied with the way Pakistan has acted. accepted the decision.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed a proposal for a hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy, under which India will play its matches in Dubai while Pakistan will host the rest of the tournament.
As compensation, Pakistan will be allowed to play their matches at the 2026 T20 World Cup in Colombo. Pakistan has also been given hosting rights for an ICC women's event after 2027.
(With IANS inputs)
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