Under India’s Pressure, Pakistan Agrees: Champions Trophy Matches Split Between UAE & Pak

The ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for February next year will follow a hybrid model. Matches involving Pakistan will be played at neutral venues. According to news agency PTI, PCB agreed to this proposal during an ICC meeting on Saturday, ensuring that Team India’s matches will be held at neutral locations.

PCB Places Conditions Before ICC

Pakistan has put forward certain conditions to the ICC. The PCB seeks a greater share of revenue from ICC and insists that all major events in India until 2031 should also adopt the hybrid model.

India Refuses to Send Team to Pakistan

India had earlier declined to send its team to Pakistan for the tournament. Initially, Pakistan maintained that India must play in Pakistan. However, after India’s firm stance, the Pakistan Cricket Board finally agreed to the hybrid model.

India’s Matches to Be Held in UAE

India’s matches will be hosted in the UAE, while the remaining games will take place in Pakistan. If the Indian team reaches the semifinals or finals, those matches will also be held in the UAE. Earlier, a Friday meeting on the hybrid model was postponed to Saturday.

Security Concerns Prevent India from Visiting Pakistan

Since Pakistan was awarded hosting rights for the Champions Trophy, there have been speculations that India might decline to travel due to security concerns. India had previously refused to play in Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup, leading to India’s matches being held in Sri Lanka.

Ministry of External Affairs Confirms India’s Stand

On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the Indian team would not travel to Pakistan under any circumstances. Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the BCCI cited security reasons for this decision. He emphasized that Team India would not participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, even if the ICC chose to proceed without India.