The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has firmly stated that it will not accept a “hybrid model” for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, reiterating its commitment to hosting the entire tournament within Pakistan. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that Pakistan would not move any of the tournament’s matches outside the country, even if India opts not to travel for the event.
Set to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, this will be Pakistan’s first ICC event on home soil since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup alongside India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan, the reigning Champions Trophy winners from 2017, aims to host the event despite long-standing political tensions with India, which have prevented bilateral series and limited their encounters to neutral venues at multi-nation tournaments since India last visited Pakistan in 2008.
Previously, Pakistan adopted a hybrid model for the Asia Cup, allowing India to play its matches in Sri Lanka after the Indian government did not grant clearance for their team to visit Pakistan. However, the PCB is unwilling to employ a similar model for the Champions Trophy.
According to Indian media reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently informed the PCB of its hesitation to send its team to Pakistan, proposing a neutral venue for India’s games. In response, Naqvi remarked, “There’s been ongoing media speculation in India, but we’ve yet to receive any formal communication. Our position is clear: if they have objections, we need it in writing.”
Naqvi added that several international cricket boards are enthusiastic about playing in Pakistan and urged that the tournament remain free from political disputes. “We’re in touch with numerous boards, and they are all eager to compete here. Our goal is to offer top facilities to every team and welcome international fans to enjoy the tournament in Pakistan,” he concluded.
