The confusion surrounding where the Men’s Champions Trophy will be held continues, with the adjournment of the crucial ICC Board meeting. The ICC Board will reconvene in the next few days in order to find a favourable outcome. Representatives of all members of the board – 12 full members and three directors from the Associate nations – participated in the virtual meeting.
Despite the 20-minute virtual meeting being adjourned for a later date, the ICC is hopeful of coming out with a solution to the vexing issue. Pakistan are slated to host the event in February and March next year. According to sources, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are sticking to its stance of not holding the event via a hybrid model. As per that recommended framework, all of India’s matches would be held at a neutral venue, with the rest of the games being hosted by Pakistan.
This particular model was proposed in the backdrop of India deciding not to travel to Pakistan due to long-standing political tensions and security concerns. The other alternative is for another country – perhaps UAE or South Africa – to host the entire tournament.
Meanwhile, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, while addressing the media said, “The BCCI has issued a statement… They have said that there are security concerns there and therefore it is unlikely that the team will be going there.”