ICC Chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice are in Lahore to discuss guarantees with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the team’s participation in the ODI World Cup in India. The visit aims to address concerns about the implementation of a hybrid model for matches in the upcoming tournament. PCB Chief Najam Sethi’s proposal for a hybrid model in the Asia Cup has raised worries that it may also be requested for the World Cup, potentially affecting Pakistan’s matches in India.

While Sethi has emphasized that Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup depends on India visiting Pakistan for the preceding Asia Cup, the ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are wary of the hybrid model suggested by Sethi. There are concerns that if accepted for the regional event, the PCB might push for its implementation during the World Cup matches in India.

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Sethi has indicated that if the Pakistani government does not grant clearance or express security concerns, the PCB may request the ICC to hold Pakistan’s matches at a neutral venue. However, both the ICC and the BCCI are keen on Pakistan’s unequivocal participation in matches in India, as it would ensure the success of Indo-Pakistan encounters and the tournament itself.

The BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has reservations about accepting the hybrid model for the Asia Cup, preferring to have some matches played in Pakistan and the remaining games in the UAE or Sri Lanka. This hesitation is driven by the desire to maintain the smooth functioning of Indo-Pakistan matches and the overall competition.

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Sethi has repeatedly stated that if the Asia Cup is moved from Pakistan to a neutral country, Pakistan will not participate. He has also hinted that a potential shift in Asia Cup hosting may have repercussions on Pakistan’s involvement in the World Cup.

The ICC officials are mediating between the PCB and the BCCI to resolve the outstanding issues regarding the Asia Cup and the World Cup, aiming to find a solution that satisfies all parties involved.