PCB Firm on Hosting Champions Trophy in Pakistan

Sports Desk

09 Nov 2024, 11:34

Photo: Collected

The Champions Trophy is set to return next year, with Pakistan being the host nation. The last edition of this mini World Cup saw Pakistan crowned as champions, and now the tournament is scheduled to take place in Pakistan again.

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Though the tournament is set to be held in February-March, doubts are growing about whether a 50-over cricket tournament will take place in the country, given the ongoing political tensions.

According to a report from India's PTI, there is speculation that the Champions Trophy could follow a hybrid model, similar to the recent Asia Cup. However, the PCB has dismissed this possibility.

The bilateral series between India and Pakistan has been suspended for a long time due to political conflicts, with each country avoiding series in the other’s territory. Despite this, Pakistan has traveled to India for international tournaments, including the 2011 ODI World Cup, the 2016 T20 World Cup, and the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) is reluctant to send its team to Pakistan.

Pakistan was the host for the 2023 Asia Cup, but due to India's objections, the tournament was held using a hybrid model. India’s matches were moved to Sri Lanka, and the final was played at Sri Lanka’s R. Premadasa Stadium.

For the upcoming Champions Trophy, there were hopes that players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would play in Pakistan. However, India has once again created uncertainties around this. This has led to questions about whether India will participate in the ICC tournament in Pakistan.

The answer to this question remains unclear, even to the ICC. As the tournament approaches, the PCB has formally requested a written response from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding India's participation. Following this news from Cricket Pakistan, PTI reported that the PCB has no objections to hosting the Champions Trophy in a hybrid model to ensure India's participation.

If this happens, India’s matches could be held outside Pakistan, with possible venues in Sharjah or Dubai. However, the PCB has rejected this idea, with the organizers affirming their commitment to hosting the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

A source confirmed to Sports Tak that Pakistan is firm on hosting the Champions Trophy in its own country. The source stated, "The hybrid model is not under consideration. The Champions Trophy will go ahead as originally planned, with no changes. Some people claim stories using X, Y, and Z sources just for views. Our stance on the Champions Trophy remains unchanged. We have not yet made any decisions."

An ICC delegation is set to visit Pakistan on Sunday, November 10, to inspect the preparations for the tournament. The Champions Trophy schedule is expected to be released on November 11. According to the proposed schedule, the 8-team tournament is set to begin on February 19, with the final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on March 9.

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