NEW DELHI New Delhi: The International Cricket Council has asked Pakistan to either accept the 'hybrid' model for hosting next year's Champions Trophy or be prepared to pull out of the event. Due to PCB's stubborn stance, the Executive Board meeting on Friday remained inconclusive. The purpose of the emergency meeting held in Dubai was to discuss the schedule of the event to be held in February-March next year, but despite India's categorical refusal to go there due to security concerns, Pakistan once again rejected the 'hybrid' model. After this no consensus could be reached.
The majority of the ICC board is understood to be sympathetic to Pakistan's position, but PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi was advised to accept the 'hybrid' model as the only “possible solution” to the current dilemma. If the 'hybrid' model is adopted, the matches in India's portion of the Champions Trophy will be held in the UAE. An ICC board source said, “Look, no broadcaster will give a single penny to an ICC event that does not include India and even Pakistan knows this.
The ICC meeting on Saturday will be held only if Mohsin Naqvi agrees to the 'hybrid model'.” He said, “If this does not happen, then the ICC Board will have to completely postpone the tournament to some other country (can also be UAE). May have to be shifted, but it will be held without Pakistan.” Friday's meeting, which was chaired by deputy chairman Imran Khawaja as outgoing chief Greg Barclay was absent for undisclosed reasons, was addressed by Naqvi at a It was Barclay's last official meeting before reiterating his country's position before new president Jay Shah takes charge early next month.
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