The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to refrain from discussing the hybrid model for the upcoming Champions Trophy during its board meeting on Friday (November 29).
The marquee event is currently in limbo after India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan and the host nation's reluctance to adopt a hybrid model.
Amid the deadlock, there are reports claiming that UAE might host the India versus Pakistan clash and one semifinal and final of the tournament.
Meanwhile, ICC has scheduled a meeting for Friday to end all speculation surrounding the schedule of the Champions Trophy.
“I can confirm that PCB has a few hours back told the ICC that a Hybrid Model is not acceptable to them,” a source told PTI.
Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup last year but India played all of their matches in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model. However, the PCB has been rather adamant in not going down the same path for the ICC tournament.
“I can confirm initially the PCB had looked at the possibility of a Hybrid model on the condition that if India can’t play in Pakistan, then in future there would be Hybrid models in all ICC events in India right until 2031 (ODI World Cup in India and Bangladesh) as Pakistan would not go and play in India,” the source said.
PCB also reportedly reminded ICC that if any member nation declines to travel to the Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, then they need to submit a written document from the government, stating the reason behind their refusal for the future global events.
“Under ICC regulations if any team says its government is not allowing it to play in another nation on whatever grounds that board has to submit their government’s directives in writing which we have not seen so far,” the source said.
In the wake of the civil unrest in Islamabad, which led to Sri Lanka Cricket cancelling their A team tour to Pakistan, a report published in The Indian Express claimed that the ICC is keen to propose the hybrid model in the virtual board meeting on Friday.
As per the model, three of India's group matches, one semifinal and final will be held in the UAE. However, if India fail to make the semis, all knockout matches will be played in Pakistan.
