No deal: India and Pakan continue to disagree over Champions Trophy | Cricket News
The impasse over the future venue of the Champions Trophy is set to continue for a few more days after no decision was arrived at the crucial International Cricket Council’s board meeting on Friday. The Indian Express understands that during the brief meeting held virtually, Pakan Cricket Board (PCB) has outright rejected the hybrid model, which will allow India to play its matches in a neutral venue. As a result, the hosts PCB have been granted time to arrive at a plausible solution with the ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
At the end of the meeting that lasted less than 15 minutes, PCB, BCCI and the ICC were told to present a formula that would be acceptable for all parties with regards to the venue of the Champions Trophy. It is learnt that whichever formula is put forward and approved, has to be cleared both the governments of India and Pakan.
According to multiple sources, some alternate workable options are expected to be tabled at the next meeting which could take place as early as Saturday evening. It is understood that the hybrid model still remains the most favoured one except for PCB, which is strong in its stance that the entire tournament should take place in Pakan.
As per the hybrid model all of India’s three group matches including the one against Pakan will be played in a neutral venue and so would a semi-final and final should Rohit Sharma’s team make it to the knockouts. As things stand, the hybrid model looks highly unlikely, unless the PCB changes its stance. But with both the governments involved, there are fears in the ICC circles that the hybrid model which the PCB accepted during last year’s Asia Cup may not happen this time.
If the PCB rejects the hybrid model and a model that is accepted to all parties is not arrived at, then the ICC is likely to explore the option of moving the entire Champions Trophy out of Pakan. It is understood that the ICC hasn’t sounded out any other member as yet, but it is expected to take stock of alternate options with the UAE and South Africa being the favoured destinations as of now, especially because the timing would suit the broadcasters.
If it is UAE, weather won’t be a cause of concern as the temperature is usually known to be pleasant in February-March. South Africa too remains a likely destination as it would come towards their end of their summer.
