Champions Trophy 2025: Indian media outlets have reported that the upcoming Champions Trophy may adopt a hybrid model due to safety concerns raised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Allegedly, the BCCI has requested that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) arrange for India’s matches to take place in Dubai rather than in Pakistan, citing player safety as the primary concern. These reports have led to frustration from PCB officials, who have denied any formal agreement on this proposal.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has refuted the media reports, labeling them as inaccurate. He clarified that there have been no official discussions between the PCB and BCCI regarding a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy.
Naqvi emphasized that if India has genuine concerns about playing in Pakistan, the BCCI should communicate these objections in writing instead of relying on media speculation. He insisted that no formal dialogue or proposal concerning a hybrid format has been presented to the PCB.
Naqvi also underscored the importance of keeping sports separate from political issues. He said that Pakistan has previously demonstrated goodwill towards India in sports but will not accept the politicization of cricket. He reaffirmed the PCB’s expectation that the Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan as scheduled, without any changes to the tournament’s format.
Expressing confidence in Pakistan’s ability to host the tournament, Naqvi stated that other cricket boards have not raised concerns about the event being held in Pakistan. He mentioned that the PCB is prepared to host the tournament in December 2024 and anticipates that the International Cricket Council (ICC) will soon confirm the schedule. Naqvi expressed optimism that cricket fans from around the world will attend the tournament in Pakistan, thereby promoting the sport in the region.
