Finally, the unresolvable dispute between India and Pakistan is resolved. It has been decided that both the nations will be playing their matches at a neutral location for the events hosted by either of them.
With India’s constant refusal from travelling to Pakistan highlighting security issues, ICC had suggested to go with a hybrid model.
While PCB was not convinced with the model initially, they came up with a fusion model, stretching beyond Champions Trophy – resolving the dispute for once and for all.
PCB requested ICC for a fair treatment, agreeing to the hybrid model for Champions Trophy but with reciprocal provisions for themselves in the future events to be hosted by India.
Although the BCCI was not accepting the proposal initially citing that there are no security issues in India that they go for a hybrid model, they finally reached a breakthrough in the meeting held last Thursday.
The agreement applies at all the ICC events scheduled until 2027. Interestingly, India is to host two major ICC tournaments including the Women’s ODI World Cup and the Men’s T20 World Cup amid these years.
According to the fusion model, Pakistan will play their matches from the events at a neutral location, most likely to be Dubai.
Despite the agreement and a positive response from the BCCI, ICC has still not made any official announcement nor have they released the Champions Trophy Schedule.
Reports suggest that PCB demands for a written guarantee from the ICC, and not the BCCI. ‘PCB wants assurance from the ICC, not the BCCI, that the hybrid model will be implemented without issues,’ said a PCB representative in one of their statements.
It is expected that the final announcement will be made by ICC in the next two days with an official meeting scheduled. Until then, we can just wait and hope that the Champions Trophy dilemma finally ends on a positive note.