DUBAI – The International Cricket Council (ICC) called an emergency meeting on November 26 to address the inflexible stances of the Pakistan and Indian cricket boards regarding the Champions Trophy.
The reports showed that the ICC may persuade Pakistan to accept the hybrid model during the meeting, but the Indian Board’s (BCCI) refusal to participate may be ignored.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has made it clear that Pakistan would host the tournament, and if India does not participate, Sri Lanka would replace them as the ninth team.
However, India’s withdrawal could lead to financial losses for the ICC, as broadcasters have paid billions primarily for the Pakistan-India matches, and media rights have already been sold.
Meanwhile, the ICC’s leadership is set to pass to the current BCCI Secretary Jay Shah on December 1.
The reports said that the ICC may try to convince Pakistan to agree to the hybrid model, and if India reached the semi-finals or finals, the venues for their matches would also be changed.
If India maintained its rigid stance on the Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may refuse to play against India in ICC tournaments.
