The Champions Trophy is set to return after eight years with defending champions Pakistan set to host the mega-event from February 19 to March 9. However, as per a report by ESPN Cricinfo, the Indian government has not allowed the BCCI to travel to Pakistan. This is due to the prolonged political tensions between the two countries.
In this case, the ICC might have to seek a hybrid model with India’s matches being staged elsewhere. Although the BCCI has yet to provide any written information to the ICC, they might have had an oral interaction on the particular matter. A few days back, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi expressed his displeasure with the hybrid model and stated that they were not ready to ‘accept’ matches outside Pakistan.
“I discussed this with them and my team, and our stance is clear: they need to give us in writing any objections they may have. Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one. The Indian media are reporting it, but no formal communication has reached the PCB,” expressed.
The announcement of the schedule, initially slated for next week in Lahore, has been postponed due to the following uncertainty. As of now, Sri Lanka and UAE are the frontrunners to become the joint hosts for the upcoming event due to their geographical proximity to Pakistan.
