The schedule for the Champions Trophy remains uncertain as the BCCI has expressed its inability to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the tournament. On Saturday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) dismissed reports about an upcoming virtual meeting with the ICC and BCCI on November 26 to address the issue. A PCB source clarified that they have received no communication from the ICC regarding such a meeting. PCB denies meeting with ICC and BCCI over the Champions Trophy dispute; ICC responds.
The PCB also revealed that it has sought clarity from the ICC through an email regarding India’s reluctance to send its team to Pakistan but is yet to receive a response. Meanwhile, an ICC official hinted that an internal virtual meeting of the Executive Board might take place on Tuesday to discuss the matter. This meeting is reportedly being pushed by the event’s broadcaster, who is pressuring the ICC to finalize the tournament’s schedule.
One potential resolution involves voting on whether to keep the event in Pakistan, relocate it, or adopt a Hybrid Model, as suggested by the BCCI. The Hybrid Model would allow India to play its matches in the UAE while the rest of the tournament occurs in Pakistan. However, the PCB has taken a firm stance, insisting the Champions Trophy must be hosted in Pakistan. Furthermore, if the Hybrid Model is implemented, the PCB has stated it will not play its group match against India in Dubai. PCB denies meeting with ICC and BCCI over the Champions Trophy dispute; ICC responds.
A suggestion to place India and Pakistan in separate pools has also been floated to reduce tensions. However, this proposal has faced resistance from broadcasters, who believe separating the two teams would significantly impact revenue. PCB denies meeting with ICC and BCCI over the Champions Trophy dispute; ICC responds.
The Champions Trophy dispute highlights the growing challenges of organizing international cricket events amid political tensions. As the ICC works to navigate this impasse, the tournament’s future remains uncertain, with all eyes on the upcoming discussions to find a solution.
