An emergency meeting has been called by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on November 26 to discuss the future of the ICC Champions Trophy, which is set to be hosted by Pakistan.
According to Indian media reports, the ICC meeting will be held virtually, and the possibility of holding the tournament under a hybrid model is likely to be discussed. However, Pakistan, the host nation, has already rejected the hybrid model following India’s refusal to play matches in Pakistan.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) maintains that if India refuses to play in Pakistan, Pakistan will also not participate in matches held at a neutral venue.
Indian media has also speculated that the semifinals and final might be shifted to neutral venues. Meanwhile, the ICC is under immense pressure due to delays in releasing the Champions Trophy schedule.
According to sources, the ICC will try its best to get India to agree to play at least one match on Pakistan soil while also attempting to make Pakistan more flexible in its stance. The sources revealed that, in the current situation, Pakistan’s position is stronger, while India’s stance is weak, as it cannot be justified considering that other teams are ready to come to Pakistan to play in the Champions Trophy.
