The Champions Trophy, scheduled for February-March 2024, is expected to adopt a hybrid model, given the improbability of Team India traveling to Pakistan for the ODI matches. Pakistan holds the hosting rights for the tournament, marking its return to the cricket calendar since 2017. However, some matches may be relocated to the UAE or Sri Lanka, according to a source familiar with the developments.
Last month, the Pakistan Cricket Board submitted a draft schedule to the International Cricket Council (ICC), placing India’s matches in Lahore, including the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on March 1. However, there has been no official confirmation from the BCCI regarding India’s travel plans.
“It is highly unlikely that the team will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. A final decision will be taken by the government. A hybrid model is being considered, similar to the Asia Cup, with India’s matches potentially being played in the UAE or Sri Lanka. The ICC will also have its say, but this is the current plan,” the source revealed.
Security concerns have long been an issue for touring cricket teams in Pakistan. The 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team near Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore resulted in injuries to six players and the deaths of six Pakistani policemen and two civilians. This attack, attributed to the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, led to a prolonged hiatus of international cricket in Pakistan.
Despite the assurance of presidential-style security, the attack underscored the persistent security risks, influencing teams like New Zealand and Australia to abandon or refuse tours in the past. The hybrid model for the Champions Trophy aims to address these concerns, ensuring the tournament’s smooth conduct while safeguarding the players’ security.
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