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A new proposal is gaining traction in the wake of India’s refusal to send its team to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy and Pakistan’s firm stance not to shift the tournament to any third country.
The suggestion, which is being described as a ‘take some, give some’ formula, offers a potential solution to the ongoing deadlock between the two nations and could salvage the prestigious event.
According to media reports, this proposal would involve a compromise between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Under the new plan, the Indian team would play one of their three group-stage matches in Pakistan, specifically at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium. After the match, India would then return to their home country or possibly the UAE for the remaining games.
If India progresses to the semi-finals, the match would be relocated to the UAE. However, if India makes it to the final, the proposal suggests that the Indian team would be required to travel to Lahore to play the championship match at the Gaddafi Stadium.
In return for the inconvenience caused by hosting fewer matches in Pakistan, the PCB would receive a larger share of the tournament’s revenue, compensating for potential losses due to fewer games being played on Pakistani soil.
This new formula, which aims to balance the interests of both the PCB and the BCCI, could offer a way forward for the International Cricket Council (ICC), Pakistan, and India, allowing the Champions Trophy to move forward without significant damage. The proposal would allow the PCB to assert its position, while also meeting the BCCI’s demand for a hybrid model in which some matches are played in neutral venues.
The situation has been a point of contention since India initially refused to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, citing security concerns and other political issues. Pakistan, on the other hand, has been firm in its stance, asserting that the tournament should be held on Pakistani soil as planned.
As the deadline for finalizing the tournament’s logistics looms, this proposal represents a potential breakthrough that could satisfy both boards and ensure the smooth execution of the Champions Trophy, which is a major event in international cricket.
The ICC and the cricketing world will be watching closely as negotiations continue, with the hope that this ‘take some, give some’ formula can bring an end to the impasse and help save the tournament from disruption.
