Dubai has become the center for India-Pakistan cricket battle as the new hybrid or fusion formula is proposed. With the continuous political tensions between the two nations and the disputes around hosting Champions Trophy 2025, ICC has finally come to a conclusion.
The hybrid formula proposes that for the next three years, all the bilateral matches between Pakistan and India would be played in UAE during any ICC tournament hosted by either of the countries. If this arrangement is agreed by both BCCI and PCB, it will be effective from the Champions Trophy 2025.
While PCB was under immense pressure to take a final decision regarding Champions Trophy, they have informed both BCCI and ICC about this hybrid formula for the upcoming matches. And a positive response to it can finally end the confusion related to Champions Trophy.
Reportedly, PCB had rejected all the monitory offers from ICC stating, ‘we do not want money, we want respect.’ Therefore, they are not only negotiating for the Champions Trophy but want fair resolution for even the upcoming ICC tournaments.
India has not travelled to Pakistan since 2008, citing security issues to be their reason for reluctance.
There have been many occasions ever since when India was supposed to give up on their resistance such as the Asia Cup 2023. But the event was shifted to a hybrid model with most matches being played in Sri Lanka.
Now with the Champions Trophy on the stake, PCB is demanding for a fair decision from ICC. They accept India’s reservations about traveling to Pakistan but want them to accept and understand their concerns at the same time.
As the matters continue to speculate, we can only hope to witness the finest display of cricket in the world-class ICC tournaments scheduled in coming years.
No matter where the matches are played, the fans only wish to watch their favourite players bring entertainment to the grounds and screens.