India cites PTI protests to pressure Pakistan on hybrid model for Champion Trophy

India took the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests and clashes between demonstrators and forces as another opportunity to strengthen its stance on Pakistan's weak security, and called for the ICC Champion Trophy 2025 to be relocated.

The neighbourly country, since the announcement of the hosting country’s name for ICC Champion Trophy 2025, has been presenting excuses for restraining its players from travelling to Pakistan. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)  is now using the political party's protest in Islamabad and the postponement of Sri Lanka’s tour to Pakistan as justification for snatching the Champions Trophy hosting rights from Pakistan or forcing it to adopt a hybrid model. 

According to the reports, the ICC also expressed dissatisfaction over security in Pakistan, and the recent political uncertainty indicated that Pakistan would agree to follow the hybrid model. 

It added that a huge protest was held by the PTI, and the Sri Lankan Cricket team’s visit to Pakistan worried other boards as well, and now they were avoiding visiting Pakistan.

However, despite a lot of internal and external challenges, the Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was optimistic about hosting big events. 

“Consultations with the ICC have been ongoing to improve cricket ties between Pakistan and India, and it intends to open the doors of cricket between the two countries,” said Naqvi while addressing a press conference in Islamabad. 

“The decision will be taken in the interest of Pakistan,” he said, adding, “It's impossible that Pakistan play in India, and India refuses to come here.”

However, the ICC board of directors will gather for deliberation over the issue in a meeting set to be held on Friday (tomorrow).