The clock’s ticking and we are almost in the final hours to get to what will (should) be the game-changer in the Champions Trophy rollercoaster. It has been going on for months, years if you count the reasons behind it. India have refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Pakistan have declined all suggestions that do not mention the entire tournament taking place in their country. This leaves the ICC with nothing but to look towards the board members. And so, all eighteen of the members will meet and try to get to the end of this badly entangled situation.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi said that they are as clear in their stance as ever. A hybrid model is off the cards for Pakistan and only a solution on the ‘basis of equality’ will be accepted.
“Our stance is very clear,” Naqvi said during a media conference at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. “I promise we’ll do what is best for Pakistan cricket. I’m constantly in touch with the ICC chairman and my team is talking to them constantly. We’re still clear in our stance that it’s not acceptable that we play cricket in India, and they don’t play cricket here. Whatever will happen, will happen on the basis of equality. We’ve told the ICC very clearly, and what happens next we’ll let you know.”
“Whatever we do, we will make sure the best outcome for Pakistan is achieved,” Naqvi was quoted as saying during the presser. “But I repeat, and I am sure you know what I mean, it’s not possible that Pakistan play in India, and they don’t come here.”
The board meeting will take place virtually and several options will be discussed, one of which is the possibility of hosting the entire tournament in a hybrid setting. Pakistan have already arranged the Asia Cup last year as per a hybrid model, with the majority of matches taking place in Sri Lanka, and a few in Pakistan. However, the board’s insistence on not going that way has made life difficult for the ICC. Reportedly, the PCB has been offered a higher financial compensation to accept this proposition. However, the board declined this offer too, as was confirmed by Naqvi.
“I promise you that we’ll not just sell our rights out just for more money. This will never happen. But we’ll do whatever is best for Pakistan.” Naqvi said when asked if the board would forsake its stance for a lucrative offer.
After BCCI communicated their refusal to fly to Pakistan to the ICC, PCB wrote to the global body demanding a formal, written explanation by the Indian board as well as the reasons behind the decision.
“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.”
Earlier it was reported that the ICC is trying to wind the matter up before the outgoing chair of the body, Greg Barclay, is replaced by Jay Shah, who is currently BCCI’s honorary secretary, on December 1st. However, the PCB chair is confident that Shah would do what is best for the organization once he assumes office.
“[Jay Shah] takes charge in December, and I’m sure once he moves from the BCCI to the ICC, he will think about the ICC’s benefit, and that’s what he should do. Whenever anyone assumes such a role, he should only consider the interests of that organization.” Naqvi said.
