The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is hesitant to accept the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) proposed ‘partnership formula’ for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Notably, the BCCI doesn’t want the PCB to use a hybrid model for the upcoming ICC tournaments in India in the next three years.
The International Cricket Council is trying to resolve the ongoing disagreement between the PCB and the BCCI over the Champions Trophy. While the ICC has proposed a hybrid model during a recent board meeting, the issue remains unresolved, and a final decision is expected to take more time.
PCB Proposes ‘Partnership or Fusion Formula’ for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
PCB officials recently engaged with ICC executives in Dubai, while Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had a video call with BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. During these discussions, the PCB proposed a “Partnership or Fusion Formula,” allowing India to play their Champions Trophy matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
However, the PCB has set conditions for accepting the hybrid model. They want a similar model for upcoming ICC events in India over the next three years, allowing Pakistan to play its matches at a neutral venue. The Pakistan Cricket Board has also requested a larger share of ICC’s annual revenue.
BCCI Not Keen on Accepting Proposed Hybrid Model for Champions Trophy
The ICC and BCCI were expected to approve the proposed hybrid model. However, the BCCI is not keen on accepting the proposed hybrid model, according to a Cricket Pakistan report.
“We have presented a fair solution. If India does not accept it, they cannot expect us to send our team there in the future. If an ICC event is held in India, their team would also need to play finals or key matches in Dubai, ensuring parity,” a PCB source was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.
In case, Pakistan’s conditions are accepted, the upcoming ICC tournament finals in India will be played at a neutral venue if Pakistan makes it to the final. The BCCI will next host the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, the 2029 Champions Trophy, and the 2031 Men’s ODI World Cup.
Pakistan Will Have To Take A Strong Decision – Kamran Akmal
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal criticized India for their refusal to travel to Pakistan, calling it a double standard. He urged Pakistan to take a firm position, stating that it would help improve the country’s image.
“Pakistan will have to take a strong decision and stick to it. That will help Pakistan create a good image. On one hand, they don’t want to play us in Pakistan on political issues but on the other hand, they play us in their country and that is a double standard,” Kamran Akmal said.
The two teams last played a bilateral series in 2012-13 when Pakistan toured India for white-ball matches. India last visited Pakistan in 2008 for the 50-over Asia Cup. The Indian team played their matches in the 2023 Asia Cup in Sri Lanka.
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