Reports- Champions Trophy 2025 to be relocated to South Africa if PCB denies ICC’s proposal (Source – Twitter/X)
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi isn’t willing to budge from his stance of hosting the entire Champions Trophy 2025 competition in Pakistan. However, his steadfast approach could hamper PCB as they might end up losing the hosting rights of the mega event.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has asked PCB to adopt a hybrid model with India’s matches to be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to a report from Sports Tak, if PCB doesn’t come on board with the hybrid model, the entire marquee event will be shifted to South Africa. Notably, on Sunday, November 10, the PCB confirmed that it had received an email from the ICC regarding India’s refusal to make the trip to their neighbouring country to play in the Champions Trophy.
India, however, will be ready to participate in the event if it is played in a hybrid model where their matches are held outside Pakistan. It is important to note that the ICC has assured the PCB that under the hybrid model, they would receive full hosting fees and a majority of the matches. Earlier, it was reported that PCB was discussing the next course of action with the Pakistan government. However, there hasn’t been any official announcement from either parties as yet.
If PCB assents to the proposal, this would be the first time a multi-nation ICC event will be played in a hybrid model. Last year, the Asia Cup, organised by Asian Cricket Council (ACC) was held in a hybrid model with Pakistan and Sri Lanka being co-hosts of the tournament.
Basit Ali wants two points for Pakistan if hybrid model is adopted
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali said that the Men in Green should be awarded two points if they agree to host the tournament in a hybrid model as they are likely to be in the same pool. He recalled what happened in the 1996 World Cup when the West Indies and Australia refused to play their games in Sri Lanka due to security reasons.
Pakistan are the current holders of the Champions Trophy as they won the last edition of the tournament in 2017 after beating India in the finals under Sarfaraz Ahmed’s leadership at the Kennington Oval in London by 180 runs.
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