India unlikely to tour to Pakistan for Champions Trophy; tournament to be played in hybrid model: Reports

The Champions Trophy will likely take place in a hybrid model in February-March because India are highly unlikely to travel to Pakistan to play the ODI matches as well. However, Pakistan will host the Champions Trophy as well whereas a couple of matches in the tournament are likely to take place in either the UAE or Sri Lanka, a source in the knowledge of development has told India Today.

However, the Pakistan Cricket Board submitted a draft schedule to the International Cricket Council last month where India’s matches were scheduled in Lahore, including the much-awaited game between the arch-rivals for March 1 as well. However, there is no official confirmation from the BCCI has come yet as far as travel is concerned.

“It is highly unlikely that the team will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy but a final will be taken by the government. So, in that case, a hybrid model is being worked out. India may play their matches in UAE or Sri Lanka just like the Asia Cup. Although the ICC will also have their stand on it, as of now this is what we are thinking of. Let’s see how things go in the future. As of now, it looks like it will be played in a hybrid model,” the source said.

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Pakistan had a forgetful T20 World Cup this year

However. the development came days after PCB chair Mohsin Naqvi told the governing body’s board of governors that they have tried to host the entire Champions Trophy in Pakistan only. Naqvi said that the issue would be discussed during an ICC Board Meeting in Colombo later in July as well.

Notably, India have not played bilateral cricket with Pakistan since the 2012-13 season. They have not travelled to Pakistan since 2008 as well. Only last year, former Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said that India would not resume bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan until Pakistan stops cross-border terrorism.

However, last year, Pakistan travelled to India to play the ODI World Cup. Pakistan Cricket Board was adamant about hosting all the Asia Cup matches at their home venues, but it was eventually held in a hybrid model only. However, Pakistan won the Champions Trophy in 2017, defeating India in the final. The defending champions will be keen on leaving a mark after the flop shows at the ODI and the T20 World Cups in 2023 and 2024 as well.