The Pakistan Cricket Board has backed away from its boycott threat and told the ICC it is willing to accept the 'hybrid' model for hosting next year's Champions Trophy, provided the world body allows the same arrangement for events scheduled until 2031 are held in India. What was revealed by a PCB source in Karachi was all but confirmed hours later by his superior Mohsin Naqvi in Dubai. The tournament is scheduled for February-March and India has refused to travel to Pakistan citing security reasons. “I don't want to comment too much because that could spoil things. We have given our position (to the ICC), the Indians have also given theirs. The aim is to ensure a win-win situation for everyone Naqvi said. told reporters. “Cricket has to win, that is the most important thing, but with respect for everyone. We are going to do what is best for cricket. Whatever format we choose, it would be on an equal footing,” he added.
“Pakistan's pride is the most important. We have to ensure that cricket wins, but Pakistan's pride also remains intact.” The latest proposal is a step back from the PCB, which had earlier threatened to boycott the tournament if hosting rights were not fully awarded and India's demand for a neutral venue was accepted.
Asked whether Pakistan has now agreed to the arrangement, Naqvi said: “Let's see what happens.” “My effort is to ensure that there is no one-sided system. It should not be the case that we travel to India and they do not come to our country. The idea is to settle it once and for all on equal terms.” In Karachi, a PCB source said the board is also demanding a bigger share in the annual revenue cycle for agreeing to the model where India would play its share of matches, including the match against Pakistan, in Dubai.
“The current situation is that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that it will only accept hosting the Champions Trophy on a hybrid model if the board agrees that in future all ICC events will be held on the same system, with Pakistan does not go to India to play matches. the source told PTI.
“Pakistan also wants the ICC board to increase its financial cycle share of revenue from 5.75 percent and Naqvi is pushing for this, but he has not asked for any additional hosting fees,” he added.
Until 2031, India will host three ICC men's events: the 2026 T20 World Cup along with Sri Lanka, the 2029 Champions Trophy and the 2031 ODI World Cup along with Bangladesh.
Considering that Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are co-hosting two major events, Pakistan would not be forced to travel to India if they insist. The bone of contention could only be the 2029 Champions Trophy, which will be held entirely in India.
Another highlight could be the Women's ODI World Cup in October next year, also in India.
The current situation surrounding next year's Champions Trophy is expected to be resolved in the coming days after the ICC board considers Pakistan's latest demands.
The ICC board met briefly on Friday to try to find a solution, but no agreement could be reached.
The world body ultimately told PCB to either accept the hybrid model or be prepared to be expelled from the tournament after Naqvi reiterated his country's unyielding stance.
The impasse has led to a delay in announcing the schedule for the tournament.
Naqvi, who is also his country's home minister, faces the prospect of a public backlash if it appears that PCB is pulling out without any tangible gains.
Earlier in the day, he met Emirates Cricket Board chief Mubashir Usmani in Dubai and said Pakistan was ready to host the Champions Trophy and all preparations were on track.
The PCB source, however, dismissed speculation that the board would get a $20 million bonus in addition to the $6 million hosting fee for the Champions Trophy for acceding to India's demands.
“Pakistan has taken only one stand and that is that it will not play India in ICC events in future either and the hybrid model should be applied to all future ICC events that Pakistan and India will play their matches at neutral venues ” he said. said.
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