In a significant development for cricketing diplomacy, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have reportedly agreed on a hybrid hosting model for ICC tournaments held in Pakistan and India until 2027. This arrangement allows both countries to play their matches at neutral venues when the tournament is hosted by the other nation.
The hybrid model, first reported by ESPNcricinfo, has been under discussion following meetings between ICC Chair Jay Shah and PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi in Dubai. However, the PCB, official host of the 2025 Champions Trophy, has refrained from issuing a formal statement, confirming only that discussions are ongoing.
The PCB’s acceptance of the model hinges on several conditions, including its application to all ICC events in the current commercial cycle (2024-27). Key tournaments during this cycle include the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, the women’s ODI World Cup in India, and the men’s T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in 2026.
To address potential financial losses, the PCB has proposed a tri-nation series featuring India, Pakistan, and a third country. Additionally, the PCB seeks compensation for lost commercial revenue if India’s Champions Trophy games are played at neutral venues, likely in the UAE or Sri Lanka. If India reaches the knockout stage, at least one semi-final and potentially the final may also be shifted outside Pakistan.
The hybrid model could apply to three ICC global events scheduled in the current commercial cycle (2024-27):
- 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan
- Women’s ODI World Cup in India in late 2025
- Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka
Also See: ICC Champions Trophy Schedule, Upcoming Matches, Dates and Timing
The Champions Trophy is slated to begin on February 19, 2025, with Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi as host cities. However, delays in finalizing the hybrid model have stalled the event’s official schedule. Last month, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed the ICC that sending the Indian team to Pakistan would require government clearance.
Further negotiations between the PCB, ICC, and BCCI are expected, with a definitive decision anticipated at the ICC Board meeting on December 7. The PCB’s proposal for a comprehensive hybrid framework aims to ensure equitable hosting conditions for both men’s and women’s tournaments through the end of the cycle, or potentially until 2031.
Jay Shah, who recently became the youngest ICC Chair at 36, has pledged to usher in a “new era” for global cricket. Formerly the BCCI Secretary, Shah emphasized his goal of elevating the sport to unprecedented heights through collaborative efforts with member countries.
While Shah’s departure from the BCCI creates speculation about his successor, joint-secretary Devajit Saikia’s attendance at recent ICC meetings hints he may represent India on the ICC Board. Shah’s tenure has been marked by influential roles, including chairing the Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee.