Heads I win, tails you lose: BCCI rejects hybrid model for India-hosted matches
The Champions Trophy 2025 controversy is becoming too hot to handle for the ICC. PHOTO: AFP
The ongoing discussions between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the ICC Champions Trophy and the hybrid model appear to have hit another deadlock.
Recently, the PCB had reportedly agreed to the BCCI's proposal for a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy, where India's matches would be played in Dubai. However, the situation took a turn when the PCB demanded that the hybrid model be applied to all ICC events scheduled in India until 2031.
This included high-profile tournaments such as the Women's ODI World Cup in 2025, the T20 World Cup in 2026 (co-hosted with Sri Lanka), the 2029 Champions Trophy, and the 2031 ODI World Cup.
According to The Telegraph India report, the BCCI has rejected the PCB's conditions, stating that a hybrid model is unnecessary for ICC events held in India, citing the absence of any security threat in the country.
“Sources told The Telegraph on Tuesday that the BCCI has sent a clear message to the ICC brass in this regard leading to a fresh impasse. The BCCI’s contention is simple – there is no security threat in India and hence no question of accepting such an arrangement,” the report stated.
The Indian board has conveyed this stance to the International Cricket Council (ICC), leading to a fresh impasse in negotiations.
Recently, PCB officials met ICC top executives in Dubai, while PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi discussed the issue with BCCI Secretary Jay Shah via video call. During these discussions, the PCB proposed a "Partnership or Fusion Formula."
Under this arrangement, teams from both nations would play their matches at a neutral venue, Dubai, for all ICC events hosted by either country over the next three years. The proposal aims to establish fairness and resolve longstanding tensions.
Historically, the PCB has been cautious about deals with the BCCI. During the Big Three negotiations, the BCCI had promised mutual cooperation, but later reneged on these assurances. Learning from this, the PCB now seeks ICC involvement for any formal agreements.