ICC Ultimatum to PCB: Accept Hybrid Model or Face Champions Trophy Exclusion

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has delivered a stern ultimatum to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB): accept the hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy or risk being excluded from the tournament. The deadlock emerged during an emergency ICC Board meeting on November 29 in Dubai.

In the meeting, discussions to finalize the tournament schedule were derailed by PCB's refusal to compromise. Under the hybrid model, India's matches, including a semifinal and the final, would be staged in the UAE due to India's security concerns about traveling to Pakistan.

The PCB, however, has remained steadfast in its demand to host the entire tournament on home soil, a stance it adopted since being awarded hosting rights in 2021.

"If Mr. Mohsin Naqvi does not agree with the hybrid model, the ICC may shift the tournament entirely to another country, possibly the UAE, but without Pakistan's participation," an ICC Board member revealed to PTI on condition of anonymity.

Friday's meeting, chaired by ICC Deputy Chair Imran Khwaja in the absence of outgoing Chair Greg Barclay, lasted just 15 minutes. While sympathetic to PCB's concerns, the board reaffirmed the hybrid model as the only viable solution, given broadcasters' insistence on India's participation.

Star, the ICC's official broadcaster, has reportedly warned that a tournament without India could trigger renegotiations of its lucrative broadcasting deal. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India reiterated its stand, citing security concerns for the Indian team's participation in Pakistan.

"The BCCI has made it clear that it is unlikely the team will travel to Pakistan," an MEA spokesperson said during a media briefing. The PCB now faces a high-stakes decision, as rejecting the hybrid model could mean forfeiting hosting rights, a $6 million hosting fee, gate revenue, and potentially Pakistan's spot in the tournament.

The situation mirrors the 2023 Asia Cup, where a similar hybrid model was implemented to address India's security concerns. With the ICC Board set to reconvene, the spotlight remains on PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi, who is consulting with the Pakistan government before presenting a final stance.