The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has intensified its stance and increased pressure on the International Cricket Council (ICC). It has made it clear that the much-debated hybrid model is unacceptable to them. Sources privy to the developments reveal that the PCB has urged the ICC to propose an alternative, a workable solution, reports Cricbuzz.
The ICC board is scheduled to meet virtually at 2:30 PM Dubai time (4:00 PM IST) on Friday to decide the fate of the eight-team Champions Trophy, which has run into trouble since the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) declared last fortnight that the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan.
The source disclosed that the PCB has reiterated its opposition to the widely-discussed hybrid model, in which potentially five India-related matches would be played in a neutral venue. The PCB's latest communication appears to be a strategic move to up the ante. The Champions Trophy is slated for the window between February 19 and March 9.
PCB chairman, meanwhile, said he will do everything to protect the country's interests. “Pakistan will not keep participating in events in India while Indian authorities keep refusing to send their teams to Pakistan. Such an imbalance is not acceptable,” Mohsin Naqvi told media in Lahore at an impromptu press conference on Wednesday night. Asked about the scenario of the ICC members voting for a hybrid model, he said, “Our stance is well known. We will safeguard Pakistan's interests.”
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
