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Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal believes that Pakistan should accept and play in the hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The future of the Champions Trophy has been thrown into doubt after India took a stand against sending the men's team to Pakistan for next year's marquee event, citing 'security concerns'. On the other hand, Pakistan has remained adamant about hosting the entire tournament without the prospect of a hybrid model. After weeks of deadlock, recent reports suggest a potential breakthrough has been made in the future of the Champions Trophy.
According to recent reports, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have reportedly reached an agreement in principle to adopt a hybrid model for global tournaments to be hosted in Pakistan or India until 2027.
The official announcement is yet to be made but Madan Lal believes that Pakistan should accept the proposal as they will benefit from it.
“BCCI has made its position clear. Now Pakistan has to decide whether to play in a hybrid model or not. I believe they should play because cricket must continue. Pakistan will benefit because there are many things involved. Pakistan has to take the decision,” Madan Lal told ANI.
This model would allow both countries to play their matches at ICC tournaments hosted by the other country at a neutral venue. While sources confirmed the deal to ESPNcricinfo, the PCB, the official host of the 2025 Champions Trophy, has not commented publicly, only saying discussions are underway.
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 was scheduled for Saturday to discuss the Champions Trophy, but the meeting was postponed.
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