The International Cricket Council (ICC) are trying to convince the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to work on a hybrid model for the upcoming Champions Trophy next year.
Sources said that the ICC are in talks with the PCB about the positives of adopting a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy without the Indian cricket team. The sources have also said that top officials are trying to make Pakistan stop any statements against India.
There are discussions going on with Pakistan and other participating countries of the tournament next year about the schedule and it is likely to be out in a couple of days or so.
“We are still in discussions with the host and participating members on the Champions Trophy schedule. It should be out soon, likely in a couple of days or so,” said a report quoted by a source.
India has refused to play in Pakistan and will their matches will be held in United Arab Emirates (UAE).
After India refused to travel Pakistan for event next year, the PCB had written to sports governing body seeking reasons behind India’s stance who cited security concerns.
Speaking at the press interaction at Gadaffi Stadium, Naqvi said that PCB is still waiting for a reply from sports governing body.
“We have sent them (ICC) the questions we had. We are still waiting for their response for their response. I believe that sports and politics are seperate and no country should mix the two.”
Even now I still have positive expectations about the Champions Trophy,” said Naqvi. He added that all countries who qualified for the event are ready to visit Pakistan except India.
“At this moment, every team that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to come. Nobody has any issues. I will say today also, If India has any concerns, speak to us about them, we can ease those concerns. I don’t think there is any reason for them not to visit.”
Pakistan board wants India to travel to pakistan as their team travelled to India during the time of ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023. Last year, Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup 2023 which was held in hybrid model with India playing its matches in Sri Lanka.
India and Pakistan has played their last bilateral series in 2012-13 in India, a white ball series and now mostly play in international tournaments and Asia Cup.
