ICC Champions Trophy (Photo Credit: Twitter/@ICC)
However, the PCB rejected it outright. In the ICC meeting, other boards also refrained from supporting Pakistan and supported BCCI. An ICC official said, “All members are aware of India's stand and agree with the BCCI's decision to travel to Pakistan due to lack of approval from the Indian government. If the PCB does not accept the hybrid model, then there is a possibility of the tournament being shifted outside Pakistan, and it is also possible that Pakistan may be out of the tournament.”
According to the report of Indian Express, ICC can present two options to Pakistan for the match. The first option would be to play India's three group stage matches, one semi-final and the final in some other country. Whereas the other option is that if the Indian cricket team does not qualify for the knockouts, then both the semi-finals and the final should be played in Pakistan. The Champions Trophy will be played from 19 February to 9 March. If there is a delay in this, then IPL will start. Which will not be good for players from other countries as well as India.
With the support of BCCI and other boards, ICC is now seriously considering shifting the tournament out of Pakistan. The tournament is scheduled to start from 19th February, which is now just 3 months away. In such a situation, due to PCB's stubborn stance, a decision to change the venue or exclude Pakistan can be taken soon.
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