The ICC Champions Trophy-2025, scheduled for February 2025, will be played under a hybrid model after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) accepted the proposal during an ICC meeting on Saturday. A key feature of this arrangement is that Team India’s matches will take place at neutral venues, addressing India’s concerns about playing in Pakistan.
While agreeing to the hybrid model, the PCB has set specific conditions for the ICC. The board is demanding an increase in its revenue share for the financial year from the present 5.75%. Additionally, it has insisted that all major ICC events hosted by India until 2031 should also follow the hybrid mode.
This decision follows India’s firm stance against sending its team to Pakistan for the tournament due to security concerns. Initially, Pakistan was adamant that India must play in Pakistan, but the PCB eventually conceded, given the Board of Cricket Control of India’s (BCCI) unwavering position. A preliminary meeting held on Friday to finalize the hybrid model was postponed to Saturday, where the decision was formalized.
India’s reluctance to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy had been anticipated since Pakistan was awarded hosting rights. This is not the first instance of such a scenario. In 2023, India refused to play the Asia Cup in Pakistan, leading to India’s matches being held in Sri Lanka.
Earlier, the PCB proposed that all of India’s matches be held in Lahore, with players traveling to India afterward. However, the BCCI rejected this proposal, prompting the PCB to initially refuse the hybrid model. With mounting pressure and India’s firm refusal, the PCB ultimately agreed to the current arrangement.
