What is the contingency plan as India ‘refuses’ to play Pakistan?

• Official confirmation of the hybrid model talks is yet to be made.
• Along with the UAE, Sri Lanka among default countries: report.
• PCB chief rejected hybrid model, sought BCCI’s written reply.
  

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is likely to be the ‘frontrunner’ to host a high-voltage Pakistan-India match under a hybrid model for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 as the latter has refused to travel to Pakistan. ESPNcricinfo reported on Saturday.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) earlier this week that India will not travel to Pakistan for the eight-team tournament, the report added.

It was not clear whether the BCCI had verbally communicated its decision to the ICC or a written communication was made with cricket’s governing body so that it could be officially conveyed to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

This development suggests a possible activation of the contingency plan by the ICC and the PCB to discuss a hybrid model.

However, this would not be an easy task as PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi ruled out the use of a hybrid model and insisted on the BCCI’s submission of objections “in writing”.

“We have stated it clearly [the Indian cricket board] they have to give it to us in writing if they have problems,” Naqvi said a day ago, adding: “In recent years Pakistan has shown many good gestures. However, we hope we don’t expect to always show good gestures.”

Making it more clear, the PCB chief announced that he will consult the government after BCCI’s confirmation of its decision before finalizing a future strategy.

Moreover, the PCB had also suggested last month that the Indian team can return to their home country after each match to minimize their stay in Pakistan during the Champions Trophy.

India have not traveled to Pakistan since 2008 and the two historic rivals have not had a bilateral series since 2012-13.

According to ESPNcricinfovarious contingency plans were sketched out a few months ago in case the hybrid model is adopted with some countries shortlisted, including the UAE as a frontrunner due to its proximity to Pakistan, alongside Sri Lanka.

It is important to mention here that these developments are expected to lead to the postponement of a planning-announcement event in Lahore next week, the report said.

No official announcement has yet been made by the ICC, PCB and BCCI regarding the hybrid model discussions.

The prestigious ICC tournament is set to feature eight elite teams including India, Australia, New Zealand, England, South Africa, Bangladesh and Afghanistan based on their performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Pakistan are currently the defending champions of the coveted tournament as the Men in Green, led by former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, won the 2017 Champions Trophy in England after defeating India in the final.