T20 World Cup: Pakistan – Bangladesh Want Hybrid Model to be Extended till 2031
NEW DELHI, Feb 9: Pakistan and Bangladesh’s demands from the International Cricket Council (ICC) have just grown bigger. Amid negotiations with the ICC over making a U-turn on boycotting the February 15 T20 World Cup match against India in Colombo, the two countries’ cricket boards have made a fresh demand before the world body. On the surface, it appears to be an attempt to dent India’s prospects as co-hosts of the 2031 ODI World Cup.
The 2031 edition of the ODI World Cup is set to be played in India and Bangladesh. Pakistan and Bangladesh now want the current hybrid model of hosting to be extended until that edition, sources said. At present, the hybrid model is applicable until 2027. The extension would allow Bangladesh and Pakistan to play all their matches in Bangladesh and not India.
The ICC held a meeting with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday to discuss Pakistan’s decision to boycott the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match against India. The BCB was represented by its head Aminul Islam Bulbul while PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi was also present. ICC’s deputy chairman Imran Khawaja was present in the meeting.
The hybrid model arrangement was introduced after India refused to tour Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. After extensive negotiations, a hybrid model was accepted by all parties, including the ICC. Under this model, India played its Champions Trophy matches in the UAE, even though Pakistan were the designated hosts.
The second part of the arrangement states that Pakistan will not travel to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup. As a result, all of Pakistan’s matches (even if they reach the final) will be played in Sri Lanka. In fact, the marquee India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match-which generates the highest global interest-is scheduled to be held in Colombo. This arrangement remains in place until 2027. Pakistan and Bangladesh now want this model to be extended until 2031.
The PCB has put forward three demands to end its ongoing impasse with the ICC, sources said, including (1) increased compensation for Bangladesh, (2) a participation fee for Bangladesh despite its T20 World Cup ouster, and (3) hosting rights for a future ICC event.
(Manas Dasgupta)
