The issue surrounding the Champions Trophy 2025 is likely to be resolved during the ICC Board meeting on Thursday (December 5), Cricbuzz reported.
According to the report, the ICC is all set to accept the hybrid model for the marquee event. The meeting will be taking place at 3.30 PM UAE time (5 PM IST) and newly appointed chairman Jay Shah will be at the helm of affairs.
The ICC Board comprises representatives from the 12 Full Member countries, three representatives from Associates, an independent director along the ICC chairman and CEO.
Most of the nations are reportedly in favour of the hybrid model and it is learned that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which was against it, too has agreed to adopt the formula.
However, PCB has put forward four-five demands to accept the hybrid model, which includes applying the same formula for upcoming global events that are scheduled to be held in India. It remains to be seen whether this particular condition will be approved.
UAE will most likely be hosting all three league matches involving India and two knockout games - one semifinal and final. The PCB has reportedly asked for compensation for relocating the five games and it is unlikely there will be any opposition to this demand.
Among other demands, PCB insisted that ICC should arrange a tri-series involving them, India and a third country. But the ICC and the BCCI are opposed to the idea, and it is set to be rejected.
The cricketing ties between India and Pakistan have been fraught with political and security issues since the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.
While the arch-rivals last played a limited-overs series in 2012, their last meeting in Tests was way back in 2007. In this period, they've only clashed in multi-nation tournaments such as the World Cup and the Asia Cup. Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup last year but India played all of their matches in Sri Lanka under the hybrid model.
Another demand of the PCB was to segregate them from the groups in which India will be put for the Champions Trophy 2025. It is unlikely that this demand will be accepted as the India-Pakistan clash is the biggest cash cow in world cricket. Moreover, the broadcasters have opposed this idea.
The India versus Pakistan encounter in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to take place on March 1. The high-octane clash likely is expected to be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
