The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering a “partnership formula” to resolve the ongoing stalemate over the hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan’s Geo News reported on Sunday.
According to the proposed plan, India would play their ICC matches originally scheduled in Pakistan at a neutral venue in Dubai. Similarly, going forward, Pakistan would play their matches, for ICC events awarded to India, in Dubai as well, sources close to the developments revealed to Geo News.
The arrangement is expected to be in effect for three years, starting with the Champions Trophy. This approach is expected to settle the debate surrounding the tournament’s scheduling and venue, said sources added.
So, the sources said, India and Pakistan would not be playing any tournament in each other’s countries during this period.
Per Geo News, it has been proposed to add this formula in the host agreement for ICC tournaments held in either of the two countries.
Adding heft to the Geo News report is the fact that leading Indian newswire PTI also reported from Pakistan that the PCB was willing to accept the ‘hybrid’ model for the Champions Trophy, provided the world body allows the same arrangement be applied for Pakistani teams for events to be held in India. However, per PTI, this formula would be applicable for seven years – till 2031.
The Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place in Pakistan next year, has become a bone of contention between Pakistan and India, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refusing to send its team to Pakistan, citing security concerns.
Meanwhile, the ICC has reportedly advised the BCCI to accept the formula, which would also protect the board from legal proceedings from Pakistan.
“The cricket governing body is trying its best to resolve the matter without voting, which could take place if the PCB, ICC and BCCI do not reach a consensus,” an informer said.
According to the sources, there were fair chances of the matter’s resolution before reaching the phase of voting in a couple of days.
“It is quite possible that the need for a board meeting does not arise, if the three parties reach an agreement over a formula. The other board members would likely be informed of the formula afterwards. The formula’s name will not be hybrid though,” they said.
It should be noted that Pakistan has already dismissed the offer of extra money, stressing the need to resolve the issue with respect and equality.
On Saturday, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had expressed optimism that a “long-term” formula, which would be beneficial for both countries and cricket, would be chalked out that will apply to all future events of the ICC.
“We will not allow one-sided decisions […] decisions should be made based on equality,” Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s interior minister, had said while speaking to the media in Dubai.
