PCB Chairman hints at okaying hybrid model for CT 2025, but decision not final yet

Tensions continue to rise, and with less than 90 days to go for the 2025 Champions Trophy, there is no clarity over where the tournament will be played. A virtual ICC board meeting on November 29 (Friday) was supposed to settle things, but not much progress has been made, with no official word on where and how the competition will take place.

However, with time ticking, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has hinted that the PCB will all but agree to a hybrid model, meaning that a part of the tournament will be played outside Pakistan despite Pakistan being official hosts of the Champions Trophy. But Naqvi, in no uncertain terms, made it clear that any ‘formula’ adopted will be done on the basis of ‘equality’.

"We will do whatever's best for cricket," he told reporters in Dubai, reported ESPNCricinfo.

"If we adopt any other formula [except hosting the tournament in Pakistan], it will be done on the basis of equality. The most important thing for Pakistan is its respect; everything else is secondary."

The hybrid model is being explored to ensure India's participation, who made it clear that they will not travel to Pakistan due to the Indian government not giving the green light for its players to travel to the country.

But Naqvi attested that ‘one-sided arrangements’ will no longer be tolerated, referring to India refusing to travel to Pakistan despite the latter visiting India for ICC events, most recently the 2023 ODI World Cup.

 "A one-sided arrangement is no longer acceptable. It cannot be the case that we continue to go to India, but they do not visit Pakistan. Whatever happens must be on the basis of equality,” Naqvi said.

A final decision regarding where the tournament will be played is expected within the next couple of days.

"We need to settle this once and for all," Naqvi said. "And whatever happens must see everyone treated equally. Any agreement will not be just for the Champions Trophy but for the long term.”

As it stands, the UAE is a front-runner to host a chunk of matches should the hybrid model be adopted.

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