The stalemate over the hosting of Champions Trophy refuses to end as designated hosts Pakistan have categorically denied accepting a hybrid model, while India are firm on their decision to not play the tournament in Pakistan — leaving the International Cricket Council (ICC) scratching its head looking for a solution.
On Monday the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, told reporters at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore that the country “will not accept a hybrid model”, which would allow India to play their matches at a neutral venue, and that every participating nation has given assurance to play.
However, former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali said other teams may have given surety of playing the tournament but not that they won’t play if it is turned into a hybrid model.
“Pakistan’s pride and respect is our priority. The Champions Trophy will take place in our country only…If India has any issues, they can come to us and we will sort them out,” the PCB boss had said.
“We stand firm on our stance that we will not go for a hybrid model. We’re waiting for the ICC to announce the schedule as soon as possible,” Naqvi added. “The ICC needs to consider its credibility as it represents all cricket bodies globally. The schedule has been rescheduled, but we haven’t received any cancellation notice. Every other team in the world that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to come and has no issue,” he said.
Reacting to that on his YouTube channel, Basit said: India (BCCI) ke paas power hai. IPL ki wajah se India boht strong ho chuka hai aur woh India ke against nahi jayenge (India has become very powerful because of the IPL and no team will go against them).
“It’s right that all the countries (except India) have said yes for the Champions Trophy; but they haven’t said that they will refuse to accept a hybrid model.”
Basit added that the ICC is using delay tactics, but the pressure of broadcasters on the apex body continues to increase.
“ICC is now worried what to do and what not. Delay tactics are being used and they are hoping that telephone calls (to India and Pakistan) lead to a solution…But whosoever has to conduct this tournament has decided how it will be done — whether India comes to Pakistan or not, or if it will be a hybrid model,” he said.
“Any talks of Champions Trophy being held without India need not be entertained, same for Pakistan, because the amount of loss broadcasters have suffered at the T20 World Cup (earlier this year) in the US and the West Indies, they don’t have much room left to bear anymore losses. They are putting pressure (on the ICC) for clarity.”
The PCB has also given India the option of playing all their matches in Lahore, which will allow them to play and return home the same day via the closest border, Attari, near Amritsar. However, India has not entertained that option.
The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be played from February 19 to March 9 next year. Pakistan have also reportedly asked the ICC to explain the reasons behind India’s refusal to play in Pakistan.
The Indian team hasn’t been to Pakistan since 2008.