Cricket

The Champions Trophy hosting saga continues to unfold, with Pakistan and India locked in a stalemate. Pakistan has rejected a hybrid model that would allow India to play their matches at a neutral venue, while India remains adamant about not playing in Pakistan.Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has stated that the country will not accept a hybrid model, emphasizing that all participating nations have assured their participation. However, former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali suggests that other teams may have given surety for the tournament but not necessarily for a hybrid model.Naqvi has expressed confidence in the ICC's credibility and expects the schedule to be announced soon. He has also highlighted that no cancellation notice has been received and that every other qualified team is ready to participate.Basit Ali, in his YouTube analysis, acknowledges India's power due to the Indian Premier League (IPL) and believes that no team will oppose them. He also points out that while other countries have agreed to participate, they have not explicitly rejected a hybrid model.Ali further suggests that the ICC is employing delay tactics, hoping for a resolution through telephone calls between India and Pakistan. However, he emphasizes that the broadcasters are pressuring the ICC for clarity, as they have suffered significant losses in recent tournaments.The PCB has proposed that India play all their matches in Lahore, allowing them to return home via the Attari border near Amritsar. However, India has not considered this option.The Champions Trophy is scheduled for February 19 to March 9, 2023. Pakistan has reportedly requested an explanation from the ICC regarding India's refusal to play in Pakistan, which has not visited the country since 2008.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is actively engaging in back-channel discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to promote the hybrid model for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. Sources reveal that ICC officials are emphasizing the advantages of the hybrid format and the importance of Indian participation in the tournament.The hybrid model involves hosting matches in multiple countries, with India's matches scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to security concerns. The PCB has expressed its disappointment over India's refusal to play in Pakistan, citing the precedent set by Pakistan's participation in the ICC Men's ODI World Cup in India earlier this year.PCB Chairman Najam Sethi has stated that the board is awaiting a response from the ICC regarding India's stance. He has also urged the separation of sports and politics, emphasizing that all qualified teams, except India, are willing to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.The ICC has conveyed to the PCB that India's decision is based on security concerns. The PCB has consulted with the Pakistan government and is preparing to present its position. The board believes that India should address its concerns directly with Pakistan to find a mutually acceptable solution.The last bilateral series between India and Pakistan was held in India in 2012-13. Since then, the two teams have primarily faced each other in ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup. The hybrid model for the Champions Trophy aims to balance security concerns with the desire to include all participating teams.

Jos Buttler, England's white-ball captain, has expressed uncertainty about the return of Ben Stokes and Joe Root to the team for the upcoming Champions Trophy. While Stokes has indicated a willingness to return if requested by new coach Brendon McCullum, Root's intentions remain unclear.Buttler acknowledged that the decision lies with McCullum, who will assume full-time responsibility for the white-ball side in January. England has a white-ball tour to India in January, which includes three ODIs, before the Champions Trophy begins in February.Buttler emphasized that the team has performed well in the absence of Stokes and Root, with young players stepping up. He also expressed hope that the pair still harbors white-ball aspirations, recognizing their exceptional talent.Root, England's all-time leading ODI run-scorer, has struggled in recent 50-over matches, averaging just 22.94 since July 2021. Stokes, on the other hand, has maintained a solid average of 43.38 in ODIs over the past five years.Buttler believes that the appointment of McCullum as overall head coach will foster greater consistency between the red-ball and white-ball teams. He praised the performance of Saqib Mahmood, who was named Player of the Series against West Indies with nine wickets in four matches.Buttler also reflected on his own return from injury, having missed four months with a calf problem. He opted not to keep wicket in the series against West Indies to gain experience captaining from the field. While he enjoyed the experience, he remains uncertain about whether he will permanently relinquish the gloves.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is eagerly awaiting a response from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding India's reluctance to participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next February. The PCB has formally requested clarification from the ICC on the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision, which was communicated to the ICC. The PCB has also sought a written response from the BCCI and the date when it informed the ICC of its stance.Despite the lack of a response, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi remains optimistic about the tournament, which will be Pakistan's first ICC event since 1996. "We have sent them [ICC] the questions we had," Naqvi said. "We are still waiting for their response. I believe that sports and politics are separate and no country should mix the two. Even now I still have positive expectations about the Champions Trophy."Naqvi reiterated the PCB's stance of not using a hybrid model for the tournament and expressed willingness to engage in discussions with the BCCI to resolve the impasse. "At this moment, every team that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to come," he said. "Nobody has any issues. I will say today also, if India has any concerns, speak to us about them, we can ease those concerns. I don't think there is any reason for them not to visit."When asked about the possibility of a boycott if hosting rights are revoked, Naqvi emphasized the importance of Pakistan's pride. He also addressed the altered route of the trophy tour, which was initially scheduled to include Muzaffarabad but was modified after objections from the BCCI. "My feeling is that the ICC will have to think about its credibility, that are they an organisation for all the world's bodies," Naqvi said. "And that route has been rescheduled, we haven't been told about any cancellation."Naqvi expressed hope that the ICC would soon announce the tournament schedule to facilitate the PCB's preparations. He emphasized the importance of keeping sports and politics separate and urged the BCCI to engage in dialogue to address any concerns.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has unequivocally declared that the Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan as scheduled. He asserted that if India has any concerns, it should engage in dialogue with the PCB to resolve them."Pakistan's pride and respect are paramount. The Champions Trophy will take place in our country only. We will not accept a hybrid model. If India has any issues, they can approach us, and we will address them," Naqvi stated during a press conference outside Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.Naqvi reiterated the PCB's unwavering stance against a hybrid model, where matches would be played in both Pakistan and India. He urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to announce the schedule promptly."We stand firm on our position that we will not consider a hybrid model. We are awaiting the ICC's announcement of the schedule as soon as possible," he added.Naqvi emphasized the importance of the ICC upholding its credibility as a governing body representing all cricket boards worldwide. He noted that the schedule had been revised but that no cancellation notice had been received."The ICC needs to consider its credibility as it represents all cricket bodies globally. The schedule has been rescheduled, but we haven't received any cancellation notice," he said.Naqvi also expressed his belief in keeping sports and politics separate, emphasizing that the two should not influence or interfere with each other."I still believe that sports and politics should not interfere with each other, and I maintain a positive outlook," he said.The PCB chairman's firm stance comes amid speculation that India may boycott the Champions Trophy if it is held in Pakistan due to security concerns. However, Naqvi has assured that Pakistan is fully prepared to host the tournament and provide a safe environment for all participants.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a worldwide Trophy Tour for the Men's Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan. However, the initial plans to conduct the tour in contested regions of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoJK) sparked objections from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).The BCCI Secretary, Jay Shah, promptly opposed the PCB's unilateral decision and called for ICC intervention. Subsequently, the ICC suspended the tour and issued a revised schedule excluding PoJK locations.Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev emphasized that such matters fall under governmental jurisdiction. "It's the government's responsibility. If the government says it's okay, then it's fine. People like us should not give opinions, our opinions don't matter," he said.The international Trophy Tour will commence in Islamabad, where the trophy will be displayed at Daman-e-Koh, Faisal Mosque, and Pakistan Monument. Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar will accompany the tour.The tour will then visit prominent Pakistani cities including Karachi, Abbottabad, and Taxila before proceeding internationally. The ICC stated that the tour will offer unique engagement opportunities for global supporters through vibrant activities aligned with the event's refreshed visual identity.ICC Chief Commercial Officer Anurag Dahiya welcomed the event's launch, stating, "We are delighted to launch the Trophy Tour with DP World ahead of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy, where another action-packed programme of activity is available to fans across the world."He elaborated on the fan experience, noting, "The silverware, which will be showcased across all participating nations, will allow the sport's passionate fanbase to enjoy the unforgettable experience of being up close with the iconic trophy."

India's refusal to participate in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan has sparked a diplomatic standoff between the two nations, leaving the International Cricket Council (ICC) in a quandary. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the ICC that it will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to seek an explanation.The PCB has reportedly rejected a hybrid model that would allow India to play its matches at a neutral venue. Former PCB chairman Najam Sethi has advised the board to proceed cautiously and avoid emotional decision-making. He emphasized that the ICC will likely side with India, which has significant financial clout.Sethi warned that if Pakistan refuses to participate in the tournament or future ICC events, it could face financial consequences and isolation from the international cricket community. He suggested that the PCB consider the possibility that India's boycott is a diplomatic tactic aimed at securing concessions.The Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025. The PCB has offered to host all of India's matches in Lahore, allowing the team to travel and return home on the same day via the Attari border. However, India remains adamant in its refusal to play in Pakistan.The ICC is now facing a difficult decision. It must balance the interests of both India and Pakistan while ensuring the integrity of the tournament. The standoff has raised questions about the future of cricket diplomacy and the ability of the ICC to navigate political tensions between member nations.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has embarked on a trophy tour of Pakistan, despite the uncertainty surrounding the hosting of the Champions Trophy in the country. The trophy arrived in Islamabad on Thursday and will embark on a tour of major Pakistani cities, including Skardu, Lahore, and Karachi.The tour is intended to generate excitement for the tournament, which is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9 next year. However, the ICC is yet to announce the final schedule or comment on India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the event.The trophy tour has been met with mixed reactions. Some cricket fans have welcomed the opportunity to see the trophy up close, while others have questioned the purpose of the tour given the uncertainty surrounding the tournament.Former Test captain Moin Khan expressed his skepticism, saying, "What is the purpose of this trophy tour when no one really knows at which venues the tournament will be held and whether Pakistan and India will play against each other in the event?"The ICC is expected to make a decision on the hosting of the Champions Trophy in the coming weeks. If India does not agree to travel to Pakistan, the tournament could be moved to a neutral venue or even canceled altogether.The trophy tour is part of the ICC's efforts to promote the Champions Trophy and build excitement for the event. The tournament will feature the top eight ODI teams in the world, including Pakistan, India, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.The Champions Trophy is one of the most prestigious events in international cricket. It was first held in 1998 and has been won by India, Pakistan, Australia, and South Africa.

Pakistan's Foreign Office has denied the existence of any back channel diplomacy with India regarding the Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan in February-March 2023. Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated that there are no specific discussions with India on the tournament or bilateral cricket.Baloch emphasized that sports should not be politicized, reiterating Pakistan's stance on the matter. She referred inquiries about the tournament's arrangements and team participation to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).The BCCI has informed the ICC of its inability to send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. The ICC has requested a response from the PCB on the possibility of hosting the tournament in a hybrid model, similar to the Asia Cup last year.The PCB is in contact with the ICC to discuss the arrangements, including team participation. Baloch stated that the PCB would provide further clarification on the issue.The Champions Trophy is a major international cricket tournament featuring the top eight ODI teams. Pakistan was awarded the hosting rights in 2018, but the tournament was postponed due to security concerns. The PCB has expressed its commitment to hosting the event successfully and ensuring the safety of all participants.However, India's refusal to participate has cast a shadow over the tournament. The BCCI's decision is based on security concerns and the strained political relations between the two countries.The ICC is exploring alternative options to ensure the tournament's success. A hybrid model, with India's matches played in a neutral venue, is one possibility. The PCB has expressed its willingness to consider such arrangements to facilitate India's participation.The Champions Trophy is a prestigious event in the cricket calendar, and its successful hosting in Pakistan would be a significant achievement. The PCB is working closely with the ICC to find a solution that satisfies all parties involved.