The Champions Trophy hosting saga continues to unfold, with Pakistan and India locked in a stalemate. Pakistan has rejected a hybrid model that would allow India to play their matches at a neutral venue, while India remains adamant about not playing in Pakistan.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has stated that the country will not accept a hybrid model, emphasizing that all participating nations have assured their participation. However, former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali suggests that other teams may have given surety for the tournament but not necessarily for a hybrid model.
Naqvi has expressed confidence in the ICC’s credibility and expects the schedule to be announced soon. He has also highlighted that no cancellation notice has been received and that every other qualified team is ready to participate.
Basit Ali, in his YouTube analysis, acknowledges India’s power due to the Indian Premier League (IPL) and believes that no team will oppose them. He also points out that while other countries have agreed to participate, they have not explicitly rejected a hybrid model.
Ali further suggests that the ICC is employing delay tactics, hoping for a resolution through telephone calls between India and Pakistan. However, he emphasizes that the broadcasters are pressuring the ICC for clarity, as they have suffered significant losses in recent tournaments.
The PCB has proposed that India play all their matches in Lahore, allowing them to return home via the Attari border near Amritsar. However, India has not considered this option.
The Champions Trophy is scheduled for February 19 to March 9, 2023. Pakistan has reportedly requested an explanation from the ICC regarding India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, which has not visited the country since 2008.
