The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has strongly opposed the idea of a hybrid hosting model for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, sending a clear message to the International Cricket Council (ICC) ahead of a crucial board meeting. The PCB’s firm stance follows reports suggesting the possibility of matches, including the India-Pakistan clash, being shifted to the UAE due to unrest in Islamabad.
PCB’s Stand on the Hybrid Model
The PCB formally communicated its disapproval of the hybrid hosting model to the ICC, calling it “unacceptable.” This decision comes amid speculation that the ICC might propose moving India’s group-stage matches, along with a semifinal and the final, to the UAE. “The PCB has categorically informed the ICC that a hybrid model is off the table for the Champions Trophy,” a source revealed to PTI.
Lessons from the Asia Cup
The PCB previously adopted a hybrid model for the 2023 Asia Cup, hosting a few matches in Pakistan while India’s fixtures and the knockouts were staged in Sri Lanka. However, the board has decided against repeating the arrangement for the Champions Trophy, deeming it inequitable and suggesting it favors India.
The PCB initially explored the possibility of agreeing to the hybrid model on one condition: that the same approach would apply to ICC events hosted by India until 2031. This would include tournaments like the ODI World Cup co-hosted by India and Bangladesh. However, this suggestion has not gained traction, leading to the PCB’s current hardline position.
Demand for Clarity from ICC
The PCB has also called for adherence to ICC regulations, emphasizing that member boards must provide written government directives when refusing to travel to a host country. “If a team claims their government is not allowing them to play in another nation, they are required to submit an official document explaining the reasons, which we have yet to see,” the source stated.
ICC Considers UAE Option Amid Islamabad Unrest
The ICC’s interest in proposing a hybrid model comes in the wake of political unrest in Islamabad, which recently caused Sri Lanka Cricket to cancel their A-team tour of Pakistan. According to reports, the ICC is considering moving India’s group matches, along with one semifinal and the final, to the UAE. However, if India fails to reach the semifinals, all knockout matches would reportedly remain in Pakistan.
The Way Forward
With the ICC board meeting set to address the issue, the PCB’s refusal to compromise on hosting rights signals a tense standoff. The Champions Trophy, Pakistan’s first ICC tournament as sole host since 1996, remains a significant milestone for the nation’s cricketing ambitions, and the PCB is determined to ensure its full rights as host are upheld.
This development sets the stage for a critical ICC decision that could reshape the dynamics of international cricket hosting agreements.
