Harbhajan Singh has weighed in on the ongoing tussle between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), suggesting that Pakistan should put its “ego” aside and accept the hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Speaking at the inauguration of the World Tennis League, Harbhajan didn’t hold back. “Ask all players, they would say they are ready to play in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. In any case, we don’t see too many Indo-Pak games as such, and Pakistan should keep their ego aside and agree to the ‘Hybrid Model.’ There is a security concern (for India), and I have been saying this since 2022,” he said.
Read More: Paid to Defame: The Truth Behind Social Media Attack On Salman Ali Agha
What’s This Hybrid Model All About?
The Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to take place in February-March, with Pakistan as the host nation. However, India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan has led to a standstill.
To resolve the issue, the PCB proposed a “partnership model” under which both India and Pakistan would play their matches in a neutral venue, likely Dubai, whenever ICC events are held in each other’s countries over the next three years.
It’s a delicate compromise, designed to keep the tournament on track while addressing security concerns.
PCB: Standing Firm Amid the Noise
While the comments from Harbhajan Singh have added fuel to the fire, the PCB isn’t budging. Fresh off crucial meetings in Dubai, PCB officials, including Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, have made it clear that they haven’t “surrendered,” as some reports suggest.
Sources close to the PCB argue that if Pakistan had caved, the ICC and BCCI wouldn’t still be deliberating over the proposed formula. In fact, the delay itself shows that Pakistan’s stance carries weight.
For the PCB, this isn’t just about hosting a cricket tournament. It’s about respect, fairness, and maintaining their standing in the cricketing world. Pakistan has already made it clear that the proposed model isn’t about financial gain. They’ve rejected offers of a bigger share of tournament revenue, emphasizing that their primary concern is mutual respect.
Read More: Why Are England Players Banned From PSL Participation But Not IPL?
For now, the ICC and BCCI are taking their time to respond to the PCB’s proposal. If accepted, it could set a precedent for handling future Indo-Pak cricketing clashes. But if the negotiations fall apart, it could escalate into a larger standoff, with potential legal battles or even tournament boycotts on the horizon.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.