Trouble stuck again on Champions Trophy, Pakistan blind in pride, ICC trying to convince for hybrid model

Cricket News Desk. International Cricket Council (ICC) executive board members are trying to convince the Pakistan Cricket Board to accept a hybrid model for next year’s Champions Trophy with the promise of increased financial incentives. Sources gave this information. The announcement of the tournament schedule is being delayed as India has informed the ICC about its inability to travel to Pakistan for the event. The ICC is scheduled to convene a meeting of its Executive Board on Tuesday to find a solution to this serious issue.

A source associated with the matter said, ‘PCB has taken a tough stance and does not want to organize the tournament under the hybrid model. Therefore, now they are being given additional financial incentives to end the deadlock. There is a possibility that after the virtual discussion among the board representatives by tomorrow (Tuesday), things will become clear to a great extent regarding the organization and format of the Champions Trophy.

The source said the PCB is being asked to accept additional financial incentives to allow India to play matches in the UAE. If India qualifies for the final then the final will be played in Dubai. He said, ‘The PCB has so far opposed all such moves and said that if India is not interested in playing in Pakistan then it is their problem because the other six participating countries are not interested in playing in Pakistan.

He said, ‘The PCB is insisting that the India vs Pakistan match and the final be played in Lahore, even if the hybrid model is adopted. Obviously the Indian Cricket Board will not agree to this. He wants to play the semi-final and final along with the match against Pakistan in Dubai. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has so far refrained from commenting on the delay in announcing the schedule, but he ruled out a hybrid model and said the Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan as per the schedule.