- A hybrid option, where the majority of matches are played in Pakistan but those involving India are played outside Pakistan.
- The tournament is being played entirely outside Pakistan, with the option for the PCB to retain hosting rights.
- The entire event is being played in Pakistan but without India.
The last of these options is virtually doomed to failure, given the negative financial and commercial impact it will have on the tournament. The chances of the former – a hybrid model – were reduced on Thursday after a PCB official told PK Press Club that they had informed the ICC once again that it was not an option. “The PCB has requested the ICC to make a reasonable or acceptable proposal to Pakistan before the ICC Governing Council meeting tomorrow,” the official said.
This could in fact be one of the conditions under which the PCB accepts any hybrid model for now: that the ICC then considers the same option for tournaments in India where it is – for now – unlikely that the Pakistan be allowed to travel by air. his government.
Naqvi did not say whether Pakistan would face India in this tournament as they are attracted by being in the same group. A hybrid model, or a complete relocation, means they will have to play in a neutral venue; the match not taking place would also mean significant commercial success for the tournament.
“Whatever we do, we will ensure that Pakistan gets the best possible result,” Naqvi said repeatedly. “But I repeat, and I’m sure you understand what I mean, it is not possible for Pakistan to play in India and not come here.”
Naqvi said the PCB would not be motivated by seeking a financial settlement, ending informal discussions that the PCB could attempt to negotiate higher hosting fees in exchange for a hybrid model, promising “that we will not simply sell our rights.” for more money. This will never happen. But we will do whatever is best for Pakistan. Regardless, two countries for venues would require a revised tournament budget.
The meeting will be virtual and will likely only be voted on if consensus is not reached within the board. But the pressure will be on to reach a resolution quickly, as time runs out before the tournament and the start of its preparations. An alternative or additional venue will need to be chosen based on the option chosen by the Board of Directors, and an event schedule will need to be finalized and published.
Additionally, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Karachi’s National Stadium – two of Pakistan’s venues – are undergoing major renovation and improvement, in a race against time to be ready for the tournament. The PCB has assured the ICC board that the venues will be ready for the tournament by the end of this year.
Pakistan won the rights to host the Champions Trophy in November 2021 and, if all goes according to plan, it will be the first ICC event it will host since the 1996 World Cup. But its status was shaken when the BCCI informed the ICC earlier this month that its team had not received permission from the Indian government to travel to Pakistan.
It was hardly a surprise, given that no Indian team has toured Pakistan since 2008, with the Mumbai attacks later that year sending relations between the two countries into a downward spiral. Pakistan have visited India three times since then, for a bilateral series in 2012-13, the 2016 T20 World Cup and, most recently, the 2023 ODI World Cup. This trip only took place after authorization from a government commission, despite considerable opposition from some members.
The PCB was expected to adopt a hybrid model for the Asia Cup just before the World Cup but had hoped that the trip to India would result in a reciprocal gesture for the Champions Trophy.
