The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly ready to accept a hybrid hosting model for the Champions Trophy 2025, following suggestions from the International Cricket Council (ICC). According to sources, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has put forward specific conditions aimed at preserving Pakistan’s hosting rights while addressing domestic concerns.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that a hybrid model was now the only viable solution for hosting the Champions Trophy in 2025. This announcement came during the ICC Board meeting on Friday, November 29, following the Indian government’s decision not to grant its team permission to travel to Pakistan.
The proposed hybrid model would pave the way for a resolution, allowing Pakistan to retain partial hosting rights for the tournament. In a brief virtual meeting attended by 12 full ICC members, three associate members, and the ICC Chair, no consensus was reached. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi participated in the meeting from Dubai. Notably, Pakistan were awarded the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy 2025 in November 2021. Earlier this year, the PCB began renovating three stadiums in preparation for the event.
The PCB’s acceptance of the hybrid model comes with notable terms:
India’s Matches in Dubai: All matches involving the Indian cricket 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 send its team 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.
The PCB had initially insisted on full hosting rights but faced resistance due to India’s security concerns. Following prolonged negotiations, the ICC proposed the hybrid model as a compromise. The ICC board meeting, which included representatives from all 12 full members, three associate members, and the ICC chair, ended without a consensus. However, the PCB’s likely agreement paves the way for a resolution.
The hybrid model grants Pakistan partial hosting rights, preserving its role as a key tournament venue. Dubai will host India’s matches, ensuring the tournament’s smooth conduct amid diplomatic tensions. Financial arrangements, including gate revenue from matches in Dubai, will remain exclusive to the Emirates Cricket Board, excluding revenue-sharing with Pakistan.
The Ministry of External Affairs also confirmed their stance of not opting to send the Indian 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 slated to take place from February 19 to March 9. While there were suggestions to initially announce only the match dates and reveal the venues later, this approach was deemed unacceptable by certain concerned parties.
