Former Pakistan Batter claims Broadcaster Rejected Hybrid Champions Trophy format

As the deadlock over the hosting and scheduling of the Champions Trophy persists, former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali has claimed that the tournament's official broadcaster has rejected the hybrid model, which proposed keeping India and Pakistan in separate pools. Following the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) refusal to send the Indian team to Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has strongly opposed the hybrid model, which would allow India to play their matches at a neutral venue while the rest of the tournament takes place in Pakistan. 

In fact, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has publicly stated that Pakistan does not accept the hybrid model.

Given the significant financial gains tied to the India vs Pakistan match in an International Cricket Council (ICC) tournament, and with both nations standing firm in their positions, the announcement of the schedule has understandably been delayed. A tournament without either of these teams would lose much of its appeal.

"What did I tell you about the Champions Trophy...Broadcaster isn't agreeing to (hybrid model or India and Pakistan in different pools) and it won't," said Basit in a video on his YouTube channel. "If there is no India-Pakistan match in a tournament, then it would be like a tasteless dish."

The former middle-order batsman remarked that Pakistan has made the right moves, putting the ICC in a difficult position. They now have to satisfy both the BCCI and the PCB, as well as the broadcaster, who would not be willing to incur financial losses if there is no India-Pakistan match.

"PCB has played its cards very well, well done!...If you want to go ahead with the hybrid model, do it. But India and Pakistan won't be in the same pool, and Pakistan will play all their matches at home," said Basit.

"Mohsin Naqvi is quietly sitting now. He has played his cards correctly."

Basit added, "The ICC is worried," as the world watches the four-way tussle unfold within the corridors of the governing body.

"BCCI sends a message to the ICC, and it is relayed to the PCB. Then the PCB sends a message to the ICC, and it is forwarded to the BCCI. Then the broadcaster jumped in and asked 'what's happening, this is not agreeable to us'.

"Both broadcaster and the ICC are having sleepless nights."

The Champions Trophy, set to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9 next year, is making its return to the ICC calendar after a seven-year hiatus.