ICC, PCB agree for hybrid model until 2027, India-Pakistan matches at neutral venues
The International Cricket Council(ICC) has decided that the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy will follow a hybrid model, with the Indian team set to match in Dubai. The decision is said to have been confirmed in an informal meeting between the newly-appointed ICC chairman Jay Shah and the board of directors.
The venue of the 2025 Champions Trophy has been a matter of plenty of debate as Pakistan was chosen to host the ICC event. However, the BCCI clarified that the Indian team will not travel to the neighbouring nation due to security concerns. After plenty of back and forth, adopting a hybrid model emerged as the only solution. Notably, India has not toured Pakistan since 2008 while the bilateral cricketing ties have been on pause since 2012 owing to the strained political relations between the two nations.
“It’s been agreed in principle by all parties that the 2025 Champions Trophy will be held in the UAE and Pakistan with India playing its matches in Dubai. It’s a win-win situation for all stakeholders,” said an ICC source as quoted by the Telegraph.
Also read: Reports: ICC to meet on December 5 as uncertainty over Champions Trophy 2025 continues
ICC confirms hybrid model for 2025 Champions Trophy
While Pakistan was initially reluctant to adopt a hybrid arrangement, India’s resolute stance left the hosts with no other choice but to accept the model to ensure that the deadlock ended. However, the PCB has demanded a reciprocal arrangement for all ICC events (men’s and women’s) until the end of the ongoing FTP cycle of 2031. Reportedly, the ICC has accepted the condition for tournaments until the end of its commercial cycle in 2027.
This means that all India-Pakistan games will be held at neutral venues in not just the 2025 Champions Trophy but also the 2025 women’s ODI World Cup in India and the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
“During the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup, Pakistan will play its matches in Sri Lanka. The compensation demanded by PCB for the Champions Trophy hybrid model is still under consideration,” the source said.
The development clears ICC’s path to unveil the much-awaited schedule of the tournament, which has been thoroughly delayed due to the ongoing uncertainty. The ICC has already missed meeting the contractual deadline of releasing the fixtures at least 90 days before the event.
