ICC awaits PCB’s decision on Hybrid Model for Champions Trophy after India decline to travel
Karachi, Nov 11: The International Cricket Council has sought a response from the Pakistan Cricket Board on hosting the Champions Trophy in a hybrid model following India's refusal to travel to the country for the tournament.
The PCB on Sunday had confirmed that it received an email from the ICC that India declined to travel to the neighbouring country.
“Unless the PCB decides to pull out of hosting the Champions Trophy the current plan is to hold India’s matches in UAE and the final in Dubai,” a source told PTI on Monday.
“The Indian Cricket Board has told the ICC that a Hybrid Model is acceptable to them only if the final is held in Dubai and not in Pakistan,” the source added.
The PCB on Monday remained silent without giving any reaction to the BCCI informing the ICC it will not send its team to play in Pakistan in the Champions Trophy.
But according to sources, the ICC has asked the PCB to confirm if a Hybrid Model -- where India’s matches and the final would be held in Dubai -- is acceptable to them.
The ICC has assured the PCB that, under this arrangement, they would receive full hosting fees and a majority of the matches.
“The ICC has told the PCB that if it decides to go ahead with the hosting of the mega event on a Hybrid Model it would get its full hosting fees and majority of the matches,” the source said.
However, if the PCB decides to pull out of hosting the tournament due to India's refusal, the ICC could consider moving the entire event to South Africa, the source added.
Earlier, a PCB source had said there was "no talk" of a Hybrid Model as of now and they would seek further clarity from the ICC.
"There is no talk about having the Champions Trophy on a Hybrid Model system as of now," a reliable PCB source told PTI.
"An email is to be sent to the ICC with the advice of its legal department in which the Board wanted clarifications from the ICC on the Indian decision," the source said.
"As of now the entire situation is being gauged by the PCB. No decision has been taken on the next step. Yes the PCB is in touch with the government for consultation and directives if required," the source added.
Meanwhile, Pakistani media speculated on potential responses, including the Pakistan government advising the PCB to avoid playing India altogether or the PCB pursuing legal action against the ICC and BCCI at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Geneva.
India have not travelled to Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai terror strikes. The two teams compete against each other only in ICC tournaments.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
NCP's Nawab Malik criticizes BJP's anti-conversion law proposal, signals potential alliances in Maha
MUMBAI: Nawab Malik, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, voiced strong criticism on Tuesday against the anti-conversion law proposed in the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) manifesto for Maharashtra. Malik dismissed the proposed legislation as a tactic to "misguide people" and affirmed that the NCP would not join forces with the BJP if it continues to push "divisive and disputed issues."
Despite being part of the Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP, Malik did not rule out aligning with the opposition Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) if the upcoming assembly results lead to a hung house. While the BJP, a senior partner in the ruling Mahayuti, is supporting Shinde Sena's candidate Suresh Patil in the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar constituency, Malik emphasized that any future government, if led by the Mahayuti, would be based on a Common Minimum Programme rather than purely BJP-driven policies.
"BJP will have to leave out some issues," Malik told The Times of India in an interview, suggesting that compromises would be necessary to form a stable government.
In response to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's controversial "Batenge toh Katenge" remark, widely interpreted as targeting Muslims, Malik condemned the statement. "I condemn this slogan. Politics based on religion is short-lived," he asserted. Malik also criticized the BJP's plan for an anti-conversion law, saying, "Right to religion is a fundamental right, and conversion cannot be stopped. BJP is playing with words to misguide people."
When asked about the NCP's stance in the event of a coalition, particularly whether they might support the MVA if no party gains an outright majority, Malik remained open-ended. "Anything is possible. Anyone can go with anyone," he said, emphasizing the fluid nature of Maharashtra's political scene as the state heads towards a potentially fragmented election outcome.
Malik was optimistic about NCP's electoral prospects, expressing confidence that party leader Ajit Pawar would secure enough seats to act as a "kingmaker" in the post-election scenario. He hinted at the possibility of a situation similar to 1999, where no single party had a clear majority, allowing the NCP to play a pivotal role.
