Pakistan Refuse To Adopt Hybrid Model For CT 2025 Despite IND's Travel Uncertainty
India unlikely to travel to Pakistan for CT 2025 (X.com)
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a firm stance against adopting a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025 as the board confirmed it’s intent of hosting the full tournament in Pakistan as per original plan despite India’s travel to the state still up in the air.
Pakistan attained the hosting rights for the upcoming edition Champions Trophy which is marking a return after a decade. The tournament is scheduled for next year and PCB have already begun it’s preparations for the mega ICC event.
However, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) is yet to confirm India’s participation in the tournament as it requires travelling to Pakistan. The two nations have not been on good terms for over a decade and hence BCCI will likely have to obtain a NOC from the Indian government before sending its players to the neighbouring country.
It was also rumoured that India would bat for a hybrid model in which India’s matches will be held at a neutral venue. They did the same during the Asia Cup 2023 as well.
However, PCB has now turned defiant to rule that the tournament will go as per original plan as they have scheduled all the games in Pakistan, with India likely to play in Lahore.
PCB stated that the hybrid model led to financial and logistic strain during the Asia Cup, and they cannot afford to incur such heavy losses this time around.
Additionally, PCB have not even considered talking to the UAE board for a neutral venue as they seem confident that India will somehow end up in Lahore for their league games.
However, the Indian government and cricket board have yet to take a stand on the matter, and if a consensus is not reached, the board could approach the ICC for intervention.