India-Pakistan Standoff: Former Cricketer Proposes Separate Pools for Champions Trophy

India-Pakistan Standoff: Former Cricketer Proposes Separate Pools for Champions Trophy

The ongoing standoff between India and Pakistan over the hosting of the 2025 Champions Trophy has prompted former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali to propose a unique solution. Ali suggests that the International Cricket Council (ICC) should place India and Pakistan in separate pools if it decides to adopt a hybrid model for the tournament.

According to Ali, this arrangement would alleviate logistical and diplomatic tensions by minimizing direct encounters between the two teams until the later stages of the competition. However, he acknowledges that neither the ICC nor broadcasters would likely support this idea, as India-Pakistan matches generate significant revenue.

“If cricket is to continue and the hybrid model is to be maintained, place Pakistan in one pool and India in the other,” Ali said on his YouTube channel. “But neither the ICC nor the broadcasters will be happy with this, because this is an opportunity to make money.”

Ali emphasized the financial importance of the India-Pakistan rivalry for global cricket. “The world is foolish (duniya bewakoof hai) to say that The Ashes is amazing or that the India-Australia series is amazing; it’s not like that,” he remarked. “As long as cricket is being played and Pakistan-India matches are happening, there will be money; otherwise, there won’t be.”

Amidst escalating tensions, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly preparing to formally approach the ICC, seeking clarification on the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) refusal to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reportedly rejected the hybrid model proposal, insisting on securing Pakistan’s hosting rights.

The Champions Trophy, scheduled for February 19 to March 9, 2025, is set to be held in Pakistan. If an agreement cannot be reached, the ICC may consider moving the tournament to an alternative location, with South Africa and the UAE emerging as potential hosts.

The ICC faces a difficult situation, as bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan has been suspended since 2012. In a similar instance, the 2023 Asia Cup adopted a hybrid model, with India’s games moved to Sri Lanka while Pakistan retained partial hosting rights.

PCB Faces Dilemma over Champions Trophy Hosting Amid India's Security Concerns

PCB Faces Dilemma over Champions Trophy Hosting Amid India’s Security Concerns

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) faces a dilemma over the hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy next year, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed security concerns and declined to send the Indian team to Pakistan. In response, the PCB has threatened to withdraw from the tournament, potentially jeopardizing its hosting rights.

The ICC is reportedly considering South Africa as an alternative host if Pakistan does not agree to a hybrid model, where India’s matches would be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the final in Dubai. However, the PCB remains adamant about hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan.

The BCCI has stated that it is willing to accept a hybrid model only if the final is held in Dubai. The ICC has offered the PCB full hosting fees and a majority of the matches if it agrees to the hybrid model.

Despite the risks involved, the PCB is reluctant to implement a hybrid model. It is expected to consult with the government before making a decision.

The ICC has also informed the PCB that the entire tournament could be shifted to South Africa if it decides to pull out. The PCB is currently assessing the situation and has not yet made a decision on its next step.

Pakistan May Withdraw from Champions Trophy Over India's Refusal to Travel

Pakistan May Withdraw from Champions Trophy Over India’s Refusal to Travel

Pakistan’s participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is in jeopardy following India’s refusal to travel to the country for the tournament. According to sources within the Pakistan government, the country may withdraw from the event if its hosting rights are revoked.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed its intention to seek clarification from the ICC regarding the hosting arrangements. The PCB has only been informed of India’s decision not to participate but has not received any official communication about a potential hybrid model.

Under a hybrid model, India’s matches would be played in a neutral venue while other matches would be held in Pakistan. This approach was adopted during the Asia Cup last year.

The PCB is awaiting policy guidelines from the government regarding its stance on India. The government’s decision will be cited in the PCB’s request for clarification from the ICC.

The PCB source emphasized that the ICC could face legal implications if the Pakistan government decides to take a tough stance on cricket relations with India.

The situation remains fluid, and the PCB is in consultation with the government to determine its next steps.

PCB Denies Hybrid Model Agreement for 2025 Champions Trophy

PCB Denies Hybrid Model Agreement for 2025 Champions Trophy

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has vehemently denied media reports suggesting that it has agreed to a “hybrid model” proposed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the 2025 Champions Trophy. According to these reports, the BCCI had proposed that the Indian cricket team would play its matches at a neutral venue, a suggestion that was allegedly accepted by the PCB.

However, PCB sources have categorically stated that the two cricket boards have not engaged in any discussions regarding a hybrid model and that no such plans are being considered for the tournament. Pakistan remains steadfast in its stance that it will host the tournament in its entirety at Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.

“The hybrid model is not under consideration. It is documented that our position has not changed. People file stories claiming sources X Y Z. People file anything just to get some views. As of now, we haven’t decided anything as far as the Champions Trophy. Our stand is as it is,” a PCB source asserted.

The political tensions between India and Pakistan have prevented the two teams from facing each other in a bilateral series for over a decade. While Pakistan participated in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, India has yet to confirm its participation in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year.

Earlier, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Federal Interior Minister, expressed confidence in a swift visa issuance process for Indian fans wishing to attend the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan. He conveyed this assurance during a meeting with a group of Sikh pilgrims from the United States.

Naqvi expressed optimism that Indian fans would respond positively to the opportunity to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. “We will be keeping a special quota of tickets for Indian fans and we will try to make the visa issuance policy brisk,” Naqvi stated.

The PCB is eager to welcome Indian fans to Pakistan and witness the highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan in Lahore.

India's Champions Trophy Participation in Lahore 70% Confirmed, Says Basit Ali

India’s Champions Trophy Participation in Lahore 70% Confirmed, Says Basit Ali

The Champions Trophy, scheduled for February 19 to March 9, 2025, has sparked speculation about India’s participation due to political tensions between India and Pakistan, the designated host nation. However, former Pakistani batsman Basit Ali has claimed that it is “70% confirmed” that India will play their matches in Lahore, Pakistan.

To facilitate India’s participation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed hosting all of India’s matches in Lahore, allowing the team to travel via the Attari border near Amritsar. However, a recent report suggested that the PCB is considering a hybrid model, with India potentially playing their matches in the UAE.

Basit Ali, in a video on his YouTube channel, urged Lahore residents to prepare for India’s visit. He stated that the BCCI has had discussions and that the decision now rests with the Indian Prime Minister. He reiterated that it is “70% confirmed” that India will play in Lahore, with the schedule to be announced on November 11.

Ali also appealed to Pakistani fans to be respectful and welcoming if India does participate. He emphasized the importance of appreciating the Indian players and avoiding any misbehavior.

The Champions Trophy, which returns to the ICC calendar after a seven-year hiatus, is a prestigious tournament that brings together the top eight ODI teams. India’s participation would add significant value to the event, and the possibility of them playing in Lahore has generated excitement among cricket fans.

PCB Willing to Adjust Champions Trophy Schedule for India Matches in UAE

PCB Willing to Adjust Champions Trophy Schedule for India Matches in UAE

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering adjustments to the schedule of the 2025 Champions Trophy, which it is hosting, to accommodate matches involving India in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This move comes after the Indian government expressed concerns about its team traveling to Pakistan due to security and socio-political reasons.

The PCB is exploring a “Hybrid Model” similar to the 2023 Asia Cup, where India played its matches in Sri Lanka. Sources within the PCB believe that even if India is not permitted to tour Pakistan, minor adjustments can be made to the schedule, with India likely playing its matches in Dubai or Sharjah.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) cannot force any board to go against its government’s policy, and it remains to be seen when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will make a final decision. By the time the decision is made, the ICC will be chaired by India’s Jay Shah.

The PCB is urging the ICC to announce the tournament schedule by next week, as officials from the governing body are expected to visit Lahore. The PCB has proposed a tentative schedule that includes a marquee match between India and Pakistan in Lahore on March 1, 2025.

The tournament is scheduled to begin on February 19, 2025, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi. The final is set for March 9 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. According to the proposed schedule, all of India’s matches would be held in Lahore for security and logistical reasons.

The PCB is investing heavily in upgrading its stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, where the Champions Trophy matches will be played. The board is spending approximately 13 billion rupees on these renovations.

ICC Considers Options for 2025 Champions Trophy Hosting in Pakistan

ICC Considers Options for 2025 Champions Trophy Hosting in Pakistan

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering three options for the hosting of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be held in Pakistan. The tournament is set to commence in February 2025.

According to sources, the ICC is exploring the following options:

1. Hosting the tournament in Pakistan as planned: This would mark Pakistan’s first major ICC event since the 1996 ODI World Cup, which it co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka.

2. Hybrid model: Under this scenario, matches involving India and the knockout stages would be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), while the remaining matches would take place in Pakistan.

3. Hosting the tournament outside Pakistan: If this option is chosen, potential hosts include Dubai, Sri Lanka, or South Africa.

Pakistan has not hosted any major ICC events since the 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lankan team bus. The 2011 Champions Trophy was subsequently moved to India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.

India has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, but Pakistan has visited India on three occasions since then: for a white-ball series in 2012-13, the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup, and the 2023 ODI World Cup.

The ICC’s decision on the hosting of the 2025 Champions Trophy is expected to be made in the coming months.

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