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With the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy set to played in a hybrid model, a response on the same from the Pakistan Cricket Board and the International cricket Council (ICC) is still awaited. However, several reports have revealed that PCB have accepted the hybrid model request, they have also put down a few conditions.
Among them, the ICC have also agreed to host all India-Pakistan matches until the 2027 cycle at neutral venues, however an official confirmation on the same is still awaited. But amidst this, Pakistan have also proposed a tri-series involving India at a neutral. Speaking in Lahore, PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi when asked about the tri-series, opted to remain silent and not answer the question.
I prefer not to delve into specifics: Mohsin Naqvi on Pakistan’s tri-series proposal
Speaking to the media in Lahore, when he was put up with a question around the tri-series, Naqvi replied in Urdu, which translated to, “I prefer not to delve into specifics at this time, as preserving our position is critical. Pakistan is playing a constructive role in the process and will continue to do so.”
According to a report published by Cricbuzz, PCB has proposed a tri-series at a neutral venue in a bid to negotiate and resolve the ongoing deadlock, but the idea didn’t find any takeaways. This comes when the talks around Champions Trophy 2025 are going intense, with India playing all its matches potentially in the UAE after they opted to not travel to Pakistan due to security concerns.
Speaking in the same address, Mohsin Naqvi said, “At this stage, I cannot comment further. There was a meeting on Saturday (December 7) and it was postponed. Once the ICC approves the decisions, we will provide all the details. Rest assured, we are doing our best to achieve an outcome that serves the best interests of Pakistan and international cricket. However, the final decision lies with the ICC.”
According to the tentative schedule earlier proposed by the PCB, the tournament which is marking its return after seven long years, is set to start from February 19 with the final to be played on March 9, 2025. However, the ICC is yet to announce the official schedule of the tournament, seeing that it is likely to be moved into a hybrid model.
