Champions Trophy semi-final and final moved to UAE due to India's refusal to play in Pakistan: Report

The BCCI has supposedly been refused permission by the Indian government to send the Indian team to Pakistan, citing the tense diplomatic relations between the two countries. Despite using a hybrid model for the Asia Cup last year, the PCB is adamant that they want the entire Champions Trophy to be hosted in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.

Also, Sri Lanka Cricket Board cancelling their A team's tour of Pakistan hasn't helped PCB's cause. Also, former Pakistan captain and former Prime Minister Imran Khan is currently in jail, and authorities also arrested nearly 1,000 of his supporters recently. His supporters reportedly stormed the capital this week demanding his release.

In the meeting, the ICC decided on two plans. One plan is that out of the 15 matches, three of India's group matches, including against Pakistan, one semi-final and the final will be played in a neutral venue. Meanwhile, according to the second plan, if India doesn't qualify from the group stage, both the semi-final and final will take place in Pakistan.

According to the report, a vote will also be called and if the hybrid model gets majority backing, then it will be upto PCB to accept it or not. The ICC is also expected to finalise UAE as a venue as it will decrease the travel time for teams to travel between matches from Pakistan. Also, even if the hybrid model is voted for, the ICC will give time to PCB to get clearance from the Pakistan government.