The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Thursday that the 2025 Champions Trophy will adopt a hybrid hosting model, with matches being held in Pakistan and at a neutral venue. This decision ensures that high-profile games, including the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clashes, will take place at neutral locations.
Champions Trophy Returns to Pakistan
Scheduled for February and March 2025, the Champions Trophy will mark a historic return to Pakistan, the first time the nation has hosted the tournament since its inception in 1998. Featuring eight top teams—Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and Pakistan—the tournament promises to be a major cricketing spectacle.
Neutral Venues for IND-PAK Matches
Due to ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, the ICC has decided that all matches between the two nations during the 2024–2027 ICC events cycle will take place at neutral venues. This arrangement aims to ensure smooth logistics and safety for players, officials, and fans.
Broader Implications for ICC Events
The hybrid model will also apply to other upcoming ICC tournaments, including:
The 2025 Women’s World Cup in India
The 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka
The 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup in Pakistan
This approach comes in response to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) refusal to travel to Pakistan, citing safety concerns. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on the other hand, had urged the Indian board to honor the agreement, referencing Pakistan’s participation in the 2023 World Cup held in India.
Pakistan: Defending Champions
Pakistan, the reigning champions of the Champions Trophy after defeating India in the 2017 final, will have the opportunity to defend their title on home soil. Their hosting rights further solidify their standing in global cricket despite the political complexities surrounding their rivalry with India.
A Balanced Solution
The hybrid hosting model offers a practical solution to the logistical and safety concerns posed by the strained relations between the two cricketing giants. With the ICC prioritizing the safety of all stakeholders, this arrangement ensures that marquee tournaments proceed without disruption while maintaining the spirit of the game.
