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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed readiness to adopt a hybrid model for hosting the Champions Trophy 2025, but with significant conditions presented to the International Cricket Council (ICC). The decision comes amid an ongoing standoff between PCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which has refused to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan citing security concerns. The hybrid model, which was previously implemented in the 2023 Asia Cup, could see India’s matches being played in Dubai or UAE, while other games remain in Pakistan.
Key Conditions by PCB
PCB has stipulated that the hybrid model be made a standard approach for all ICC tournaments until 2031, ensuring Pakistan won’t need to play its matches in India. Additionally, the PCB has requested an increased share in ICC’s annual revenue cycle, pushing for its share to be raised from 5.75%. The PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, emphasized that any agreement would be contingent on protecting Pakistan's pride and ensuring fairness across all participating nations.
Champions Trophy Schedule Still Pending
Despite being less than a year away, the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule remains unfinalized. ICC has given PCB an ultimatum to agree to the hybrid model or risk losing the tournament's hosting rights. PCB, facing limited options, is considering the proposal but remains firm on its conditions.
Impact of Hybrid Model
If implemented, this model could set a precedent for future ICC events. The approach, used in the Asia Cup 2023, had India’s matches played in Sri Lanka while the rest of the tournament occurred in Pakistan. The ICC is expected to announce its decision soon, balancing logistics, financial considerations, and maintaining the cricketing relationship between India and Pakistan.
India's Hosting Commitments Through 2031
India is scheduled to host several key ICC events in the coming years, including:
- 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup
- 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup (co-hosted with Sri Lanka)
- 2029 Champions Trophy
- 2031 Men’s ODI World Cup (co-hosted with Bangladesh)
PCB’s demand for long-term hybrid hosting policies could influence these tournaments' formats, especially considering the strained political relations between India and Pakistan.
Chairman Naqvi's Remarks
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated, "We’ve communicated our position to the ICC. Our goal is to ensure a solution that benefits cricket and respects Pakistan’s sovereignty. Cricket must triumph, but not at the cost of Pakistan's dignity."
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