IndiaPakistanStandoff

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

By Nilay November 13, 2024 0

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.

Categories: Cricket

India-Pakistan Champions Trophy Standoff: Suryakumar Yadav Responds

By Nilay November 12, 2024 0

India’s T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, has addressed the ongoing standoff between India and Pakistan over the 2025 Champions Trophy. The issue arose after India declined to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, prompting the International Cricket Council (ICC) to inform the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

In a video circulating on social media, Suryakumar was asked by a fan why India was not coming to Pakistan. He responded, “Brother, it is not in our hands.”

The PCB has since stated that it will not accept a hybrid model for the tournament, which would have allowed India to play matches at a neutral venue. According to a report in Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper, the Pakistani government is considering asking the PCB to withdraw from the Champions Trophy entirely.

“In such a case, one of the options the government is mulling is that of asking the PCB to ensure Pakistan don’t participate in the Champions Trophy,” the report quoted a source.

Suryakumar Yadav is currently leading the Indian T20 side in their four-match series against South Africa. The series is currently tied at 1-1, with the third T20I scheduled to be played in Centurion on Tuesday.

The standoff between India and Pakistan has raised concerns about the future of the Champions Trophy. The tournament is one of the most prestigious in international cricket, and its cancellation would be a major blow to the sport.

Categories: Cricket

India-Pakistan Champions Trophy Standoff: BCCI Proposes Dubai Matches

By Nilay November 10, 2024 0

The ongoing standoff between India and Pakistan over the hosting of the Champions Trophy has taken a new turn, with reports emerging that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that it will not send the Indian team to Pakistan for the tournament. Instead, the BCCI has proposed playing its matches in Dubai. However, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has denied receiving any formal communication from the BCCI.

As per protocol, the BCCI must obtain clearance from the Indian government before making any decision on the team’s travel to Pakistan. Amidst this impasse, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has suggested that other cricket boards may also decline to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

In a YouTube video, Ali stated that the BCCI will officially decline on the 11th of November, and he will observe which other cricket boards follow suit. He attributed this potential reluctance to the significant influence of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Ali praised PCB chief Naqvi for his handling of the situation, noting that the public discourse in both Pakistan and India has subsided, leaving the matter to be resolved through official channels. He emphasized that the decision will ultimately rest with the BCCI, PCB, and ICC.

Ali expressed concern that the standoff could have negative consequences for cricket, as it pits the love of the game against financial considerations. He questioned which boards would support Pakistan and which would favor the BCCI due to IPL pressure.

In 2023, the PCB adopted a hybrid model for the Asia Cup, with India playing all their matches in Sri Lanka. Pakistan also agreed to play India in Ahmedabad during the ODI World Cup. If the BCCI maintains its stance, the PCB may escalate the matter to the ICC, where BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who will assume the role of ICC chairman on December 1, will have to make a decision.

Sources indicate that the BCCI wants a resolution before Shah takes charge as ICC chairman. If the PCB agrees to the hybrid model, it remains to be seen which venue the ICC will designate for the final.

The PCB had reportedly proposed that the Indian team establish a base in Chandigarh and travel to Lahore only on match days. However, this idea has been deemed logistically impractical.

Categories: Cricket