The ICC has assured broadcasters that the highly anticipated Pakistan-India Champions Trophy match will take place in Dubai. However, some issues regarding the "Partnership or Fusion Formula" remain unresolved, although there is hope for a positive outcome.
On the other hand, despite PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi being in Dubai yesterday, no official meeting of the council took place. However, reports suggest that Naqvi met with ICC Chief Jay Shah, and an online board meeting is expected on Saturday to finalize matters.
According to details, the ICC Broadcast Workshop was held yesterday in Dubai, but no representatives from Pakistan's state television attended. Sources revealed that ICC officials clearly informed the participants that the Pakistan-India match in the Champions Trophy will indeed take place in Dubai, despite earlier concerns.
Surprisingly, the tournament schedule has yet to be finalized. A meeting was scheduled for yesterday, where PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was present, but unresolved issues with India over the "Partnership or Fusion Formula" persist. Under this formula, all Pakistan-India matches in ICC events over the next three years would be played in Dubai, regardless of the host country.
It is hoped that a positive resolution will be reached. While no official ICC meeting took place on Thursday, Naqvi's meeting with Jay Shah is seen as a step toward resolving the matter. The board meeting on Saturday could finalize these issues.
Indian media suggests that there may not be any need for a vote on the matter, as the Indian team is likely to play all its matches in the UAE. If India qualifies for the semi-finals and final, those matches will also be held in Dubai. Pakistan, however, wants a similar arrangement for ICC events hosted by India, with matches between the two teams being played in neutral venues.