ICC board’s virtual meeting: Pakistan rejects hybrid model

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has categorically rejected the hybrid model proposed during the International Cricket Council (ICC) Board’s virtual meeting on Friday.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi made it clear that the hybrid option would not have the support of the Pakistani government, delivering a firm stance that took many by surprise. The ICC meeting, which lasted only 12 minutes, saw the hybrid model introduced as a possible solution to the ongoing deadlock over the Champions Trophy 2025. However, Mohsin Naqvi, who had already communicated Pakistan’s position during discussions with ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice in Dubai Thursday, reiterated that the PCB would not entertain this proposal.

“This is not acceptable. Every time Pakistan is required to play in India, we comply. Yet, when it is India’s turn to play in Pakistan, excuses are made. Both nations must be treated equally under the same rules,” Naqvi asserted. He added while other workable solutions could be considered, the hybrid model was entirely off the table.

The ICC Board deferred the issue, leaving it to the PCB, ICC, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to find a resolution. Sources revealed that Pakistan’s unwavering stance has put the ICC in a difficult position, with options now including a potential postponement of the tournament, rescheduling or introducing a backup host nation like Sri Lanka.

Adding to the ongoing mess, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that it is “unlikely” the Indian team would travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy due to “security concerns.” A spokesman for External Affairs ministry put the onus on the BCCI saying that it fears Indian team security. “It is the BCCI that has to make the final call on the team’s visit to Pakistan,” an Indian Ministry spokesman said, putting the BCCI in a tough corner and a relatively uneasy position among the member countries. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla consistently emphasized that the Board will strictly adhere to the directives issued by the Indian government. Mohsin Naqvi dismissed the concerns, clarifying Pakistan’s proven track record in hosting international teams over the past six years. “Every cricketing nation, except India, has toured Pakistan in recent years, expressing satisfaction with the security arrangements. The question of security is baseless and politically motivated,” Naqvi argued. India has not toured Pakistan since 2008 and has consistently avoided bilateral series due to strained political relations. Both teams have only faced each other in ICC events and Asia Cups over the last decade, further highlighting the challenges in resolving this impasse. With Jay Shah set to assume the ICC Chairmanship on December 1, there is some hope for a diplomatic resolution. Until then, the fate of the Champions Trophy 2025 and cricketing relations between the two nations remains uncertain.