Karachi, Nov 30: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reconsidered its initial boycott threat and has informed the ICC of its willingness to accept a ‘Hybrid’ model for hosting next year’s Champions Trophy. This acceptance comes with the condition that a similar arrangement will be upheld for events in India until 2031.
According to a senior PCB source speaking to PTI, the Board is also asking for a larger share of the annual revenue cycle in exchange for agreeing to the model, which would see India playing some of its matches, including the highly anticipated game against Pakistan in Dubai due to security concerns. The Champions Trophy is set for February-March.
This proposal marks a significant retreat for the PCB, which had previously warned of a boycott if its full hosting rights were not recognized and India’s request for a neutral venue was accommodated.
“Currently, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has stated that the PCB will accept hosting the Champions Trophy only if the agreement is made that all ICC events in the future will follow the same framework, meaning Pakistan will not travel to India for matches,” a PCB source told PTI.
From now until 2031, India is scheduled to host three ICC men’s events: the 2026 T20 World Cup in partnership with Sri Lanka, the 2029 Champions Trophy, and the 2031 ODI World Cup jointly with Bangladesh.
Given that Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are co-hosting two major events, Pakistan would not be expected to visit India if pressured against it. The main point of contention appears to be the 2029 Champions Trophy, which will be held entirely in India.
Another potential conflict may arise with the women’s ODI World Cup scheduled for next October, also in India.
The ongoing uncertainty regarding next year’s Champions Trophy is anticipated to be resolved within the coming days after the ICC executive board reviews Pakistan’s latest demands.
The ICC Board met briefly on Friday to discuss potential solutions, but no consensus was reached. The ICC eventually informed the PCB to either accept the hybrid model or risk exclusion from the tournament, following Naqvi’s insistence on his nation’s rigid position.
This deadlock has delayed the announcement of the tournament schedule.
Sources within the PCB suggest that Naqvi remains firm on his stance despite mounting pressure, and he is also seeking enhanced financial incentives for the PCB to agree to the hybrid model.
“Pakistan is advocating for an increase in its revenue share from the ICC’s financial cycle from 5.75 percent, and Naqvi is adamant on this point, though he has not requested any additional hosting fees,” the source added.
“There are rumors that Naqvi is seeking time to consult his government, but it’s unclear whether he approached them with their backing or if he sought approval to present his position during the ICC board’s virtual meeting,” the source claimed.
Naqvi, who is also the interior minister, may face public backlash if the PCB is perceived to be backing down without securing tangible benefits.
Previously, Naqvi met with Mubashir Usmani, head of the Emirates Cricket Board, in Dubai, indicating that Pakistan was fully prepared to host the Champions Trophy, with all arrangements on schedule.
However, PCB sources dismissed speculation that the Board would receive a bonus of $20 million, in addition to the $6 million hosting fee for the Champions Trophy, as a concession to India’s requests.
“Pakistan’s position remains consistent—that it will not play in India for any future ICC events, and the Hybrid model should be implemented for all upcoming ICC events where Pakistan and India are to compete at neutral venues,” the source concluded. (PTI)
