The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has softened its earlier firm stance regarding hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy, expressing a willingness to adopt a hybrid model. However, this acceptance comes with a condition: the International Cricket Council (ICC) must agree to use the same hybrid model for all ICC tournaments scheduled in India until 2031.
India is set to co-host three major men’s events in this timeframe—the 2026 T20 World Cup (with Sri Lanka), the 2029 Champions Trophy, and the 2031 ODI World Cup (with Bangladesh). The PCB’s shift in position marks a significant development, as the board had previously threatened to boycott the Champions Trophy if Pakistan wasn’t granted full hosting rights.
If the hybrid model is implemented, India’s matches in the Champions Trophy are expected to be held in Dubai, with the rest of the games taking place in Pakistan.
PCB Seeks Financial Adjustments
Reports indicate that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has pushed for increased financial incentives to accept the hybrid model. While he has not requested additional hosting fees, Naqvi is reportedly lobbying for an increase in Pakistan’s revenue share under the ICC’s financial cycle, which currently stands at 5.75%.
A source told PTI, “Naqvi is insisting on a larger share of revenues but has not sought extra hosting fees. Some speculate he may need to consult his government before committing to any final decisions.”
Venue and Schedule of Champions Trophy
The Champions Trophy, an eight-team tournament, is scheduled to be played from February 19 to March 9, 2025. Matches are currently planned across Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. However, the unresolved stand-off between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the PCB has cast uncertainty over the event’s format and venues.
India’s Refusal to Travel to Pakistan
The BCCI has made its position clear to the ICC, stating it will not send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. This refusal has led to an impasse, with no resolution emerging from the ICC Board Meeting held last Friday.
In response to India’s stance, the PCB had written to the ICC, seeking an explanation for India’s refusal to tour Pakistan. Previously, Naqvi had publicly dismissed the hybrid model, insisting on hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan. There were also reports suggesting Pakistan might withdraw from the Champions Trophy if it were either shifted to a neutral venue or conducted under the hybrid format.
India-Pakistan Cricket Relations
India and Pakistan have not played bilateral cricket since 2012 due to political tensions. India’s last tour of Pakistan was for the 2008 Asia Cup. The two sides have since met only in multi-nation tournaments such as the World Cup and Asia Cup, further highlighting the strained cricketing ties.
As discussions between the PCB, BCCI, and ICC continue, the fate of the Champions Trophy hangs in the balance, with all eyes on how the two cricketing boards resolve their differences.
