Pakistan are expected to host the 50-over tournament next year however there is an impasse between the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
The tentative schedule for the tournament is February 19 to March 9 with games happening in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.
The BCCI however is not willing to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan citing security concerns prevailing in the country.
Earlier this week, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated BCCI’s when he was asked on the team’s participation in the eight-team tournament.
“… 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…”Jaiswal said during his Friday’s press conference in Delhi.
In this regard a “Hybrid” model has been suggested where India’s matches are held outside Pakistan, most likely in the UAE. A similar model was followed last year when India played its Asia Cup matches in Sri Lanka while four group games were hosted by Pakistan.
PCB too have also put its foot down as it is not willing to accept this arrangement and wants the entire tournament to be held on Pakistan soil. As reported by PTI on November 29, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had made it clear that the ‘hybrid’ model won’t be acceptable.
“A one-sided arrangement is no longer acceptable. It cannot be the case that we continue to go to India, but they do not visit Pakistan. Whatever happens must be on the basis of equality.” Naqvi told reporters in Dubai.
Pakistan visited India to participate in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup last year.
