Discussions over the format for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy remain unresolved as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) continue to disagree over a proposed “hybrid” hosting arrangement. The standoff has delayed the finalization of the tournament schedule, which is slated to run from February 19 to March 19.
The Champions Trophy, featuring eight teams, faced complications after the BCCI informed the ICC of its refusal to play in Pakistan due to security concerns and political tensions. This follows a history of strained relations between the nuclear-armed neighbors, who have fought three wars since the subcontinent’s partition in 1947.
The PCB has reportedly agreed to a hybrid model, under which Pakistan would host the group-stage matches while high-profile games involving India would be relocated to Dubai. The final is proposed to take place either in Dubai or Lahore, depending on whether India qualifies. However, the PCB has conditioned its approval on reciprocal hybrid arrangements for ICC tournaments hosted by India until 2027, which the BCCI opposes.
The BCCI has objected to the PCB’s tit-for-tat condition and the possibility of hosting the final in Lahore if India fails to qualify. The ICC remains unable to announce the schedule for the event due to this impasse. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is currently in Dubai to negotiate with ICC officials.
India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral cricket series since 2012-13. Their encounters are now limited to ICC multi-national events. India last visited Pakistan for the 2008 Asia Cup, and Pakistan adopted a hybrid hosting model for the 2023 Asia Cup, with India’s matches and the final held in Sri Lanka.
After years of cricketing isolation following the 2009 militant attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore, Pakistan has successfully hosted top international teams recently. Despite this progress, Pakistan has not hosted an ICC event since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup with India and Sri Lanka.
India is set to co-host several major ICC events, including the 2026 Twenty20 World Cup with Sri Lanka, the 2029 Champions Trophy, and the 2031 World Cup with Bangladesh.
Also See: 2025 ICC Champions Trophy Schedule, Matches Dates and Venues
ICC Champions Trophy decision likely this week amid progress in talks
The decision regarding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is expected to be finalized this week as discussions between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and the International Cricket Council (ICC) continue in Dubai. Despite significant progress in negotiations, key issues remain unresolved, particularly surrounding the hybrid hosting model proposed by India due to security concerns.
The hybrid model suggests India’s matches be held in the UAE instead of Pakistan, while the PCB has proposed a broader “fusion” formula to ensure neutral venues for all India-Pakistan matches in ICC events over the next three years. While the BCCI has reportedly agreed to several conditions, lingering disagreements have delayed the announcement of the tournament schedule. The ICC has been mediating the talks, with PCB officials actively working to resolve the impasse.
With most obstacles reportedly addressed, a resolution is likely this week. The PCB is eager to finalize the agreement and shift its focus to critical logistical preparations, including ticketing and event management. An agreement would mark a breakthrough in navigating the political and logistical challenges that have overshadowed the tournament’s planning, ensuring the Champions Trophy proceeds as a key event on cricket’s global calendar.