New Delhi: With the Champions Trophy standoff between India and Pakistan reaching a stalemate, the PCB has yet again reiterated the fact that it believes in hosting the entire ICC Champions Trophy at home. The board has dismissed the hybrid model blowing apart the solution worked out by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
With India unwilling to send its team across the border over security concerns, the onus is on the ICC to help the boards establish a middle ground. After PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi reiterated his stance of not accepting the hybrid model, it has been reported that pressure is being put on Pakistan from back channels to soften its approach.
However, there are secret reports which suggest that certain top cricket administrators in the ICC have reached out to the PCB, asking to accept the hybrid model as the stubborn stance on the matter could lead to huge financial implications. With the ICC deciding to release the schedule sooner, chances are there that the PCB might have to bow down to the pressure of the ICC and BCCI.
New format for maiden women’s ICC Champions Trophy
Meanwhile, a new ICC Women’s Champions Trophy will be hosted by Sri Lanka in 2027 and it’ll be played in T20I format. The men’s tournament returns to the international scenario after a gap of nearly 8 years.
Talking about the ICC Chief Commercial Officer, Anurag Dahiya remarked:
The return of the men’s ICC Champions Trophy with a brand-new women’s event has provided us with a great opportunity for a refreshed vibrant and fun visual identity to represent the events over the next few years…
Furthermore, reflecting on the expansion of the Champions Trophy to the women’s category, Dahiya added:
The two weeks of thrilling competition the event is renowned for is reflected in the bold and loud edge of the brand. The new elements are accompanied by the distinctive white jackets which nod to the history of the Champions Trophy and its unique, global appeal…