The BCCI has turned down the PCB’s request for a ‘hybrid model’ for ICC events held in India. Citing security concerns, the BCCI has also stated it will not send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Ongoing talks between the ICC, PCB, and BCCI are aimed at resolving the deadlock.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly rejected Pakistan’s proposal to adopt the ‘hybrid model’ for ICC events hosted in India, a plan initially put forward by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The proposal was part of ongoing discussions aimed at resolving the deadlock over the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
The ‘hybrid model’ suggested that Pakistan’s matches, along with India’s, be held outside India, specifically in Dubai. In exchange, Pakistan would agree to play its matches away from India during the 2026 T20 World Cup. However, the BCCI has firmly rejected this proposal, arguing that there are no security threats in India to justify such an arrangement. The BCCI has also refused to send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, citing safety concerns.
According to a report by The Telegraph, sources confirmed that the BCCI has conveyed its stance to the International Cricket Council (ICC), resulting in a fresh impasse. The BCCI’s position is clear: there is no security issue in India, and thus no grounds to accept the hybrid model.
While the situation remains unresolved, efforts are ongoing to find a diplomatic solution. The ICC board is expected to reconvene in the coming days to discuss the matter further.
Meanwhile, the PCB’s insistence on the hybrid model could jeopardize its hosting rights for the Champions Trophy in 2025 if an agreement is not reached.
In other news, Jay Shah officially took over as the new chairman of the ICC on December 1, succeeding Greg Barclay. Shah, who was elected unopposed in August, brings a wealth of experience from his tenure with the BCCI, and his leadership is seen as a hopeful sign for resolving the current issues surrounding international cricket.
Former Australian cricketers have voiced their support and optimism for Jay Shah’s tenure as the new ICC chairman during a segment on ESPN’s Around the Wicket.
Lisa Sthalekar, a key figure in Australian women’s cricket, shared her high expectations, stating, “He has been incredibly successful with the BCCI, especially in securing media deals and organizing World Cups. I believe that when he steps into the ICC role, he will deliver on initiatives like the potential Test fund, helping Test cricket flourish and ensuring players are supported equally, rather than being overshadowed by T20 cricket. He played a pivotal role in launching the WPL, demonstrating how to commercialize women’s sport. I’m excited to see him bring that same vision to the ICC.”
Former Australian captain Aaron Finch also spoke highly of Shah’s leadership, commending his ability to navigate the complexities of Indian cricket administration.
