Broadcaster does not agree to Champions Cup being played in ‘hybrid model’, claims former Pakistani cricketer – Firstpost

It is not only the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that is opposing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) proposal for India to play its ICC Champions Trophy matches outside Pakistan next year. According to a former Pakistani cricketer, the tournament’s official broadcaster rejected the idea of ​​a “hybrid model” that was implemented at last year’s Asia Cup, as well as the idea of ​​India and Pakistan being placed in separate groups.

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Former Pakistan middle-order Basit Ali, who played 19 Tests and 50 ODIs between 1993 and 1996, also praised the PCB for “playing their cards right” in their last showdown with the mighty BCCI.

“What did I tell you about the Champions Trophy… The broadcaster does not agree to (a hybrid model or India and Pakistan in different pools, and will not. If there is no India-Pakistan match in the tournament, then it will be like a tasteless dish,” Ali said in a video posted on his YouTube channel.

“PCB played their cards very well, well done! If you want to pursue a hybrid model, go for it. But India and Pakistan will not be in the same group and Pakistan will play all their matches at home.

“Mohsin Naqvi is sitting quietly now. He played his cards right,” the 53-year-old added.

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The BCCI has refused to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the tournament, which will be held from February 19 to March 9 in Lahore, Karachi and Rawapindi, returning after an eight-year absence.

The PCB, however, remains steadfast in its stance that all matches will be played in Pakistan after agreeing to the BCCI’s demand for a 50-over Asia Cup last year.

Last year, the BCCI refused to send the Men in Blue to Pakistan for the continental event, resulting in several games having to be moved to Sri Lanka.

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However, the Babar Azam-led Pakistan cricket team will travel to India for the ICC World Cup immediately after the Asia Cup, where they will take on the home team led by Rohit Sharma in Ahmedabad.

The ICC is currently caught in a dilemma due to the dispute between the PCB and the BCCI over the ‘Mini World Cup’ and is yet to make an official announcement on the schedule and venue.