Dubai: Wasim Khan, the General Manager of the International Cricket Council (ICC), is optimistic that the cricket boards of Pakistan and India will reach a mutually agreeable resolution with the assistance of the global governing body. The deadlock between the two boards revolves around the Asia Cup and the World Cup.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has firmly declined to send its team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, scheduled for September. In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has warned of the possibility of Pakistan withdrawing from the World Cup, which is set to be hosted by India a month later.

Discussions regarding a “hybrid model,” in which India would play their Asia Cup matches at a neutral venue, are still ongoing following a proposal by the PCB’s Interim Management Committee Chairman, Najam Sethi. However, even if the proposal is accepted by the BCCI, the PCB may demand to play their World Cup matches outside of India. This situation has created uncertainty for the International Cricket Council (ICC), with the One-day International showpiece schedule yet to be released, despite only five months remaining before the tournament’s opener.

To address the issue, ICC Chairman Greg Barclay and CEO Geoff Allardice are scheduled to visit Lahore on Tuesday for meetings with the PCB. Wasim expressed hope that the visit would lead to fruitful discussions. He stated, “That’s something that’s currently ongoing. Geoff Allardice, our CEO, and Greg are in Pakistan at the moment discussing various aspects with the PCB hierarchy. However, it is up to the two countries and the ICC hierarchy to discuss and reach conclusions.”

A final decision regarding the Asia Cup is expected after an upcoming meeting of the Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) executive body, headed by Jay Shah, who is also the Secretary of the BCCI. Reports from India indicate that Shah and the BCCI are still opposed to the “hybrid model” and would prefer the tournament to be entirely relocated from Pakistan to another country, preferably Sri Lanka.

Dates and venues for the World Cup will be announced after the conclusion of the World Test Championship (WTC) final in London, starting on June 7.

COEXISTENCE WITH T20 LEAGUES

The rise of lucrative T20 leagues has posed a challenge to the ICC in maintaining the popularity of international cricket in recent years. However, it appears that the ICC is now embracing acceptance rather than resisting what has become an unstoppable phenomenon in the sport.

After the success of the Indian Premier League launched by the BCCI in 2008, other top cricketing nations such as Pakistan, Australia, and England have established their own franchise T20 leagues, including The Hundred in England. Furthermore, even emerging cricketing nations like the UAE and the United States have launched T20 leagues, leading to a more crowded cricket calendar.

Wasim acknowledged the growing number of leagues and stated that coexistence was the only way forward. He emphasized the need to provide more choices for fans and players, which would enhance the quality of white-ball tournaments such as the ICC World Cups. He also emphasized the importance of finding a balance between Test cricket and other formats, ensuring that the schedule beyond 2027 caters to the preferences of fans, players, and enthusiasts of both red-ball and white-ball cricket.