Amid growing concerns over the hybrid model and its impact on future tournaments, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has approached the International Cricket Council (ICC) to clarify its position on hosting the Champions Trophy 2025. .
According to the sources, PCB has strictly said that it is not acceptable to play a match against India at a neutral venue under the hybrid model. The board has urged the ICC to suggest an acceptable playing formula before its next board meeting.
The PCB has also made it clear that Pakistan will not participate in future ICC events held in India if the hybrid model is implemented. Sources said that the PCB has urged the ICC to take a decision in this regard before tomorrow’s board meeting.
After the PCB clarified its position, the official response from the ICC is now awaited.
Meanwhile, reacting to the uncertainty over the venue of the tournament, former Pakistan cricket team captain Shahid Afridi remarked that by “combining politics with sports”, the Indian Cricket Board had “made international cricket a placed in a state of uncertainty”.
By mixing politics with sports, the BCCI has put international cricket in a precarious position. Fully support the PCB’s stance against the hybrid model – especially since Pakistan (despite security concerns) has toured India five times, including a two-way white ball.
He posted on his official X account, “Fully support PCB’s stand against hybrid model – especially since Pakistan (despite security concerns) has toured India five times, including 26 Including the two-way whiteball series after /11.”
He advised the ICC and its board of directors to “maintain fairness and assert their authority”.
On November 26, ICC convened an important board meeting on November 29. According to details, ICC informed all the concerned cricket boards about the situation. In the meeting, there is a possibility of discussing the possible steps to be taken if India shows stubbornness on not coming to Pakistan.
Sources revealed that the PCB is expected to come up with a strong narrative for hosting the Champions Trophy. Pakistan will demand an answer from India for not participating in the mega event.