ISLAMABAD: The discussions between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the ICC Chairman, Greg Barclay, and Chief Executive, Geoff Allardice, concluded on Tuesday after a two-day meeting. During the talks, there were in-depth deliberations on several significant matters. According to the sources, the board officials informed the ICC officials about their concerns regarding the aforementioned financial model.

The International Cricket Council (ICC), the game's global governing body, has proposed a new revenue sharing model for the 2024-27 cycle to be voted on at its next board meeting in June. Based on the new model, India would claim 38.5%, while England and Australia would pocket 6.89% and 6.25% respectively. Pakistan stands to earn 5.75% of the ICC's projected earnings.

According to the sources, the board officials informed the ICC officials about their concerns regarding the aforementioned financial model. Pakistan reiterated its reservations about the ICC financial model and demanded a higher share in the profits. PCB adamantly expressed that the match between Pakistan and India brings a lot of revenue to the ICC. According to PCB officials, Pakistan should also get a bigger share in the proposed model. It is by no means appropriate to give India the bigger piece of the pie alone.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has notified the International Cricket Council (ICC) that their national team will take part in the upcoming World Cup, which is set to take place in India later this year, under the condition that the government grants permission for their participation.

Furthermore, they requested the ICC to assure that if Pakistan's team travels to India for the World Cup, India will reciprocate by coming to Pakistan to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 - an issue that needs to be discussed openly. PCB also gave a briefing on the preparations for the 2025 Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be held in Pakistan. The PCB officials also shared the plan with the ICC chairman and Chief Executive regarding the women's league scheduled in Pakistan this year. As per Cricket Pakistan's understanding, ICC officials will also discuss with the Indian board about Pakistan's reservations for the World Cup, so that a middle way can be found to ensure Pakistan's participation. Secondly, there may be some increase in PCB's share in the proposed financial model in near future.

After the round of negotiations, the ICC delegation also visited the museum at the National Cricket Academy and reviewed the facilities there. Later, the PCB and ICC officials also went to the Safe City project and took a briefing on security matters.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 01 2023

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