The ICC Champions Trophy saga drags on, with no agreement in sight on a proposed “hybrid” format.
And it comes as no surprise that the stalemate is because world cricket’s financial centre BCCI is objecting to any quid pro quo be applied to arch enemy Pakistan when it comes to ICC events India hosts going forward. Not just that, the Indian cricket board is also opposed to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s proposal that the Champions Trophy final be played in Lahore in the event India do not qualify.
Sources speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP the PCB has agreed to the hybrid model but only on condition that every ICC tournament taking place in India until 2027 follows the same format, with Pakistan not going to India.
Under the hybrid model, Pakistan will host the group matches but its high-profile clash with India will be played in Dubai.
The stand-off means the ICC is still unable to announce the schedule for the February 19 to March 19 event.
India are set to co-host the next Twenty20 World Cup with Sri Lanka in 2026 in addition to the Champions Trophy in 2029 and co-host the 2031 World Cup with Bangladesh.
