Javed Miandad on Champions Trophy Hybrid Model: There was confusion over the ICC tournament after the Board of Control for Cricket in India refused to allow the Indian team to tour the neighboring country for the Champions Trophy proposed in Pakistan next year. However, the ongoing tug of war over the tournament has ended as the Pakistan Cricket Board and BCCI have reached an agreement, which has also been confirmed by the ICC.
The ICC issued a press release on Thursday saying that the way has been cleared for the Champions Trophy and India and Pakistan will play the events from 2024 to 2027 at a neutral venue. This means that Pakistan will not tour India for the ICC tournament to be held in India and the matches will be played at neutral venues. After this, reactions of former players of Pakistan continue on this matter.
Pakistani veterans are happy with ICC’s decision
Former cricketers of Pakistan have expressed relief that ICC has finally succeeded in ending the impasse with India over the Champions Trophy. Great batsman Javed Miandad said, “I think the PCB has shown wisdom and chose a solution instead of being isolated. In this, the PCB has benefited more than the BCCI.”
He said, “Pakistan is hosting a big tournament after a long time. We have given a clear message that if you do not come to play in our country, we will also not go to play in India.”
India had refused to go to the tournament to be held in Pakistan in February-March due to security reasons. India has not played Pakistan since the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008. Former Pakistan captain Wasim Bari said, “All I can say is that their players and fans would have received a tremendous welcome if they came here.”
Former Pakistan captain Moeen Khan said, “PCB getting to host another ICC tournament is a good sign for Pakistan cricket.”
What did ICC say about Champions Trophy
The ICC in its press release wrote, “The ICC Board has approved that all matches played between India and Pakistan in ICC tournaments during the current cycle from 2024 to 2027 (which are to be hosted in either India or Pakistan) will be played in the tournament. “Will be played at a neutral venue proposed by the host.” This arrangement will be applicable in the Champions Trophy 2025 (Pakistan), the Women’s Cricket World Cup to be held in India next year and the T20 World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka in 2026.
Traveling to Pakistan also requires the approval of the Indian government, which is firm on its decision. The ICC said, “The schedule of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be announced soon.” The decision was expected as the sport’s governing body had long maintained silence on the controversial matter during the leadership of president Greg Barkley.
First major decision of Jai Shah’s tenure
Jai Shah took charge on December 1 after his tenure ended. With all the stakeholders including Pakistan Cricket Board, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and broadcasters running out of time to organize the 50-over tournament, a decision was necessary. Last time this tournament was played in Britain in 2017. Thursday’s announcement means that this was the first major decision taken during Shah’s tenure.
BCCI’s stand has always been clear but the matter dragged on due to PCB’s refusal to allow ‘unilateral’ arrangement of neutral venues. The PCB, under the leadership of Pakistan Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi, did not want to lose its prestige in front of the local public.
PCB had sent its team to India for the ODI World Cup last year. He had clearly opposed the ‘hybrid model’ but eventually agreed to it on mutual grounds.
The PCB had earlier indicated that it wanted a greater share in the annual revenue cycle to meet Indian demand for a ‘hybrid model’ but there is no information yet on whether this has been discussed or agreed to. . There will be eight teams in the tournament which will be divided into two groups. The top two teams from each group will reach the semi-finals.
(with input from language)
