• Source:JND
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Champions Trophy 2025: Putting all the speculations to rest, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has all but agreed to hold the 2025 Champions Trophy in a hybrid model. Mohsin Naqvi laid emphasis on a potential climbdown. Talking about the initial hesitation of hosting the mega-event at two venues, he reckoned that a win-win solution was on the way.

During a press conference of the ACC U19 Asia Cupo matches between India and Pakistan in Dubai, the PCB chief revealed, "A lot is happening at the moment, and I want to ensure that nothing I say jeopardizes the ongoing process. We've presented our perspective, and India has shared theirs. Everyone involved is working hard to find a win-win solution, and above all, to ensure that cricket emerges as the true winner. The most important aspect is to resolve matters in a way that allows everyone to move forward with their pride intact."

He was also asked whether they had accepted this model, to which he dismissed the claims and instead left the topic open-ended and said, "We will take the steps that are best for the game of cricket. Whatever formula we decide on - not the hybrid one - it will ensure equal footing for every party involved. There are many considerations at play, but at the end of the day, our focus remains on ensuring that cricket emerges as the true winner." He further said, "What is paramount here is Pakistan's pride. Inshaallah, we are committed to protecting Pakistan's prestige while ensuring the game thrives."

Also Read: India U19 vs Pakistan U19 Acc U19 Asia Cup match report

He once again re-emphasized the notion that he doesn't want a situation where Pakistan comes to India to play cricket but India doesn't go to Pakistan. "My effort has always been to put an end to the one-sided approach, where we travel to India, but they don't reciprocate. Everything happening now is aimed at resolving this once and for all, to settle it for good. Whatever the outcome, it will ensure equality for all parties involved. That is my promise", he revealed.

He reckoned that whatever decision ICC makes would have a long-term effect. "I can assure you that the solution we arrive at will be a long-term one, not just for the Champions Trophy. It will address the challenges ahead and set a foundation for whatever comes in the years to follow", he concluded. The upcoming mega-event will be held from February 19 to March 9 next year.

Barclay's term ends; Jay Shah is set to take over

The ICC hasn't yet confirmed when will they make a final decision on this unresolved matter regarding the Champions Trophy, especially after its meeting on Friday ended abruptly. The meeting was supposed to be held again since the incumbent ICC chairman Greg Barclay had finished his term on Saturday, with India's Jay Shah soon taking over the charge, in the upcoming week. Barclay didn't reply to any questions and also didn't attend Friday's meeting. ICC's deputy chairman Imran Khawaja attended that meeting.

At the same time, according to PTI, the PCB had decided not to boycott and has informed the ICC that they will accept the hybrid model but on one condition that the governing body will apply the same rules whenever an ICC event is being held in India till 2031. The report further revealed, "The Board is also demanding a greater share in the annual revenue cycle for agreeing to the model under which India would be playing its share of matches, including the clash against Pakistan in Dubai, owing to security concerns."

 

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