The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has agreed to adopt the hybrid model for hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan but has proposed a similar arrangement for future International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments held in India, according to media reports. The PCB insists on equality, seeking a framework that ensures their matches are hosted outside India during ICC events.
Discussions around the proposal remain ongoing, with key meetings held between PCB, ICC, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in Dubai over the weekend. PCB aims to formalize a long-term agreement that extends beyond the 2025 Champions Trophy, possibly covering ICC events until 2031, the end of the current media rights cycle. During this period, India is slated to host three major ICC men’s tournaments: the 2026 T20 World Cup (co-hosted with Sri Lanka), the 2029 ICC Champions Trophy, and the 2031 ICC Cricket World Cup (co-hosted with Bangladesh).
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the need for fair and reciprocal arrangements between the two nations. Speaking to reporters, Naqvi said, “A one-sided arrangement is no longer acceptable. It cannot be the case that we continue to go to India, but they do not visit Pakistan. Whatever happens must be on the basis of equality.”
India and Pakistan have not hosted bilateral cricket series in each other’s countries since 2008 due to political tensions, with their encounters limited to ICC and Asia Cup tournaments. The Indian government has previously expressed security concerns regarding cross-border travel, making India’s participation in Pakistan-hosted events unlikely. Despite this, Pakistan traveled to India for the 2016 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup, a disparity Naqvi highlighted as unfair.
Options for the 2025 Champions Trophy remain under consideration. These include India playing their matches outside Pakistan under the hybrid model, moving the tournament entirely to a neutral venue, or proceeding without India’s participation. The final decision is expected after the ICC Board meets on December 5, with the verdict requiring approval from the respective governments of both countries.
Meanwhile, preparations for the 2025 Champions Trophy appear to be lagging. With less than three months until the event’s start on February 19, neither the schedule nor ticketing details have been released, complicating travel arrangements for fans.
Also See: 2025 ICC Champions Trophy Schedule, Upcoming Matches, Dates, Timing and Venues
This development comes amidst a leadership change at ICC, with Jay Shah, former BCCI secretary, assuming the role of ICC Chair on December 1. As the situation unfolds, both PCB and BCCI await further clarity on whether a mutually agreeable solution can be reached.