Dubai likely to host Pak-India matches in future ICC events

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Dubai is set to become the battleground for the Pakistan-India cricket rivalry as a new "partnership or fusion formula" has been proposed to resolve the ongoing dispute.

Under this plan, for the next three years, both teams will play bilateral matches in the UAE during International Cricket Council (ICC) events hosted by either country, Express News reported.

If agreed upon, this arrangement would begin with the 2025 Champions Trophy.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has informed both the ICC and India about this proposal. A positive response could break the deadlock and clear the way for a resolution.

According to PCB sources, all offers from the ICC to provide additional financial support have been rejected. "We do not want money, we want respect," the sources stated. The discussion is no longer limited to the Champions Trophy; negotiations are ongoing regarding all future ICC events.

Pakistan has not demanded any additional share of the ICC's revenue, and a positive announcement is expected by Sunday or Monday.

Pakistan is set to host the Champions Trophy next year, but India's refusal to tour has complicated matters, leading to delays in announcing the schedule.

The ICC held a board directors' meeting in Dubai on Friday, which ended in less than 15 minutes. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, along with several top officials, is currently in the UAE, where Pakistan-India cricket board officials are holding behind-the-scenes meetings in an attempt to resolve the issue. They are receiving support from the ICC in these discussions.

Although there had been suggestions that Pakistan might be excluded from the event if the hybrid model was not accepted, no voting has yet taken place. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is eager to resolve the issue quickly to avoid legal action.

Earlier reports had suggested a decisive meeting would take place on Saturday, but this did not occur, and behind-the-scenes negotiations are still ongoing.

The Indian board has sought time to consult with its government, while the PCB has updated senior government officials, who appear to be in agreement with the proposal.