ICC Evaluates Hybrid Model For World Cup 2023 As Pakistan Declines To Play In India

The proposal was reportedly discussed in an ICC meeting and seems to have been given a nod by the participating members.

A similar model is being considered for the Asia Cup 2023 where Pakistan are the hosts but India's reluctance to tour their neighbouring country could see India matches happening at a neutral venue.

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) is discussing a hybrid World Cup model for this year's marquee event set to be played later in the year. While India are currently the solo hosts for the event, seems like Pakistan may get to play their matches in Bangladesh. Notably, the news comes after a similar model is being considered for the Asia Cup 2023 where Pakistan are the hosts but India's reluctance to tour their neighbouring country could see India matches happening at a neutral venue.

The proposal was reportedly discussed in an ICC meeting and seems to have been given a nod by the participating members despite Indian government's assurance to the world cricket governing body that visas will be graned to the Pakistan players for the World Cup.

This is a significant development since this was set to be the first time that India would have hosted a World Cup all on its own. Before this though, matches of two Cups- 1987 and the 2011 editions of the tournament have happened on Indian soil but on both the occasions, India were co-hosts with Pakistan as the other host country in 1987 and Sri Lanka and Bangladesh sharing the hosting duties in 2011.

There will be several logistical challenges though even if the hybrid model is given a green light. For instance, while it would be easier to schedule their group stage matches in Bangladesh, it could be hard to work out a way in case India and Pakistan qualifty for a knockout game up against one another.

As far as Asia Cup is concerned, Oman, Sri Lanka, UAE and England are the countries that have emerged as options which could host India matches. The new format of the tournament opens the possibility of a three India-Pakistan matches in the competition, in case both make it to the final. This year the tournament will be played in the ODI format.