ICC Champions Trophy Live Updates:
Pakistan had been granted the hosting rights for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Nonetheless, suspense looms over the tournament schedule and venues. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had candidly informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that Team India will not travel to Pakistan for this tournament. As a result, the ICC is contemplating the 'hybrid model'.
Meeting Ends Without a Decision... Pakistan Sticks to Its Guns
An important ICC meeting concerning the Champions Trophy was held on Friday (November 29). However, no conclusion was reached. This meeting will be reconvened, though it remains unclear whether it will take place on November 30 or another date. The next meeting, likely to happen soon, will hopefully yield important decisions. It will determine if the Champions Trophy will proceed under a 'hybrid model' or be relocated to another country. Among the attendees were 12 ICC full members, three associate members, and the ICC chairman, totaling 16 voting members.
Pakistani Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has outrightly rejected the 'hybrid model'. During the Friday meeting, Naqvi remained adamant in his stance. The ICC is striving to find a resolution to this issue. Notably, the PCB sought clarity from the ICC on why India is unwilling to travel to Pakistan.
Source: aajtak
Since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, India has refrained from playing cricket in Pakistan. The Champions Trophy, making a comeback on the ICC calendar after 2017, might transition to a 'hybrid model'. In this model, India could potentially play all its matches at an alternate location, likely in the UAE, while Pakistan hosts the rest of the tournament. Pakistan clinched the previous Champions Trophy title in the 2017 edition held in England and is set to host the upcoming event scheduled from February 19 to March 9.
BCCI's Statement
A few hours prior to this pivotal meeting, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla made a significant announcement. Upholding the stance of the Indian government, Shukla underscored that player safety remains paramount for India. He stated, "Our discussions are ongoing. Decisions will be made after assessing the situation. Ensuring the safety of our players is our top priority. The 'hybrid model' is also an option under discussion."
Regarding the Indian cricket team's potential travel to Pakistan, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal mentioned, "The BCCI has released a statement. They have indicated security concerns, making it unlikely for the Indian team to visit."
