New Delhi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a firm stand on hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy only within its borders and has rejected all suggestions for a hybrid format. Reports suggest that the PCB has made a counter-threat, suggesting that it may pull out of hosting the 2026 T20 World Cup along with India and Sri Lanka if the Indian team refuses to participate in Pakistan.

The PCB is firm on its decision to hold the entire tournament within the country and plans to oppose any proposal for a hybrid at the ICC annual conference to be held in Colombo from July 19-22, Geo News reported.

The PCB’s stance came in response to Indian media reports that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had reservations about sending its team to Pakistan for the prestigious tournament scheduled for February-March next year. Bilateral cricket relations between India and Pakistan have been strained due to political tensions and security concerns as India has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup.

The BCCI has hinted at potentially proposing a hybrid model to the ICC that would allow India to play its matches at a neutral venue. The move reflects the ongoing difficulties in organising cricket matches between the two countries independently.

Since the Mumbai attacks in 2008, which resulted in the suspension of bilateral series, India and Pakistan have only faced each other in ICC events held at neutral venues or in Asia Cup tournaments. A similar clash occurred in the Asia Cup 2023, where the BCCI’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan resulted in the adoption of a hybrid format. This decision led to Pakistan losing the hosting rights for the semi-finals and final matches.

The PCB’s determination to host the Champions Trophy entirely in Pakistan highlights its resolve amid past difficulties and tensions. The upcoming ICC Annual Conference in Colombo is likely to be crucial as the PCB is expected to strongly oppose any compromise on the hosting arrangements for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

The ICC faces a delicate balancing act of looking after the interests of both cricketing giants while maintaining the integrity and inclusiveness of international cricket competitions.IANS