Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan Prepared To Accept Hybrid Model, But With Caveat | Details Inside

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly prepared to accept a hybrid hosting model for the 2025 Champions Trophy, following recommendations from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Sources indicate that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has outlined specific conditions aimed at safeguarding Pakistan's hosting rights while addressing domestic concerns.

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The ICC informed the PCB that the hybrid model is now the only viable solution for hosting the Champions Trophy in 2025. This decision was communicated during an ICC Board meeting on Friday, November 29, after the Indian government's refusal to permit its team to travel to Pakistan.

Under the proposed hybrid model, Pakistan will retain partial hosting rights for the tournament. The meeting, which was held virtually and attended by 12 full ICC members, three associate members, and the ICC Chair, failed to reach a consensus. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi participated from Dubai. Pakistan had been awarded the hosting rights for the 2025 Champions Trophy in November 2021, and earlier this year, the PCB began refurbishing three stadiums in preparation for the event.

The PCB's acceptance of the hybrid model comes with specific terms:

India's Matches in Dubai: All matches involving the Indian team, including group stages, semi-finals, and the final (if they qualify), will be played in Dubai due to the Indian government's refusal to allow its team to travel to Pakistan.

Backup Hosting in Lahore: If India fails to progress beyond the group stages, Pakistan has secured the right to host the semi-finals and final in Lahore.

Neutral Venues for ICC Tournaments: The PCB has requested that if India hosts future ICC events, Pakistan's matches will be played at neutral venues.

Initially, the PCB had insisted on full hosting rights but faced resistance due to security concerns from India. Following lengthy negotiations, the ICC proposed the hybrid model as a compromise.

Although the ICC board meeting, which included representatives from all 12 full members, three associate members, and the ICC chair, ended without a consensus, the PCB's likely agreement paves the way for a resolution.

The hybrid model grants Pakistan partial hosting rights, allowing it to remain a key venue for the tournament. Dubai will host India's matches, ensuring the event proceeds smoothly despite diplomatic tensions. Financial arrangements, including gate revenue from matches in Dubai, will remain exclusive to the Emirates Cricket Board, with no revenue-sharing with Pakistan.

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed India's stance on not sending its team to Pakistan. "BCCI has issued a statement. They have said that there are security concerns there and it is therefore unlikely that the team will be going there," said an MEA spokesperson.

The Champions Trophy, already delayed in fulfilling its contractual obligations to stakeholders due to the ICC's failure to release fixtures on time, is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9. While suggestions were made to initially announce only the match dates and reveal the venues later, this approach was deemed unacceptable by certain concerned parties.