The Champions Trophy is likely to be held in a hybrid model in February-March because it is highly unlikely that India would travel to Pakistan to play the ODI matches. Pakistan have the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy, which will make its return to the cricket calendar for the first time since 2017. However, a couple of matches in the tournament are likely to be held in either the UAE or Sri Lanka, a source in the knowledge of development has told India Today. Pakistan Cricket Board submitted a draft schedule to the International Cricket Council last month. In the draft schedule, India’s matches were scheduled in Lahore, including the big-ticket game between the arch-rivals for March 1. However, there is no official confirmation from the BCCI as far as travel is concerned at the moment.
“It is highly unlikely that the team will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy but a final will be taken by the government. So, in that case, a hybrid model is being worked out. India may play their matches in UAE or Sri Lanka just like the Asia Cup. Although the ICC will also have their stand on it, as of now this is what we are thinking of. Let’s see how things go in the future. As of now, it looks like it will be played in a hybrid model,” the source said. The development comes days after PCB chair Mohsin Naqvi told the governing body’s board of governors that efforts will be made to host the entire Champions Trophy Pakistan. Naqvi said that the issue would be brought up during an ICC Board Meeting in Colombo later in July. India have not played bilateral cricket with Pakistan since the 2012-13 season. India have not traveled to Pakistan since 2008. Only last year, former Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said that India would not resume bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan until the latter stops cross-border terrorism.
Last year, Pakistan were forced to host the Asia Cup in hybrid model after India refused to travel to the neighbouring country. India’s matches were played in Sri Lanka and Rohit Sharma’s men went on to win the tournament, which was played before the ODI World Cup. Pakistan, however, traveled to India to play the ODI World Cup. Pakistan Cricket Board was adamant about hosting all the Asia Cup matches at their home venues, but the tournament was eventually held in hybrid model. Recently, ICC head of events Chris Tetley met PCB chairman Naqvi in Islamabad after the world body’s security team inspected the venues and other arrangements. The PCB allocated approximately 17 billion rupees for upgrading its stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi ahead of the 50-over marquee tournament, featuring 8 teams. Pakistan won the Champions Trophy in 2017, beating India in the final. The defending champions will be keen on making a mark after the flop shows at the ODI and the T20 World Cups in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
