In a significant development on Thursday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) reached a consensus to stage the 2025 Champions Trophy in a hybrid model, where India will play all its matches in Dubai. The decision came after intense discussions and was influenced by the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) demands. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also agreed to this model for all ICC tournaments hosted in India until 2027, marking a major compromise among the governing bodies.
According to a report by news agency PTI, the agreement was finalized following an informal meeting between ICC chairman Jay Shah and board members, including Pakistan, at the ICC headquarters in Dubai. The hybrid model will see India playing its matches in Dubai, while other games in the 2025 Champions Trophy will be held in the UAE and Pakistan. An ICC source called the arrangement a “win-win situation” for all involved parties.
The decision was reached after months of negotiations and shifting positions. Initially, the PCB had threatened to boycott the event and withdraw from the tournament due to security concerns about playing in India. However, after extensive back-and-forth, the PCB relented and agreed to the hybrid model, signaling that “cricket should win,” as PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi put it, emphasizing respect for all parties involved. Naqvi had earlier stated that the decision to adopt the hybrid model was made with the best interests of cricket in mind.
As part of the deal, the PCB has requested that the hybrid model be applied to all ICC tournaments held in India until 2031. However, the ICC agreed only to extend the model until 2027, covering two major ICC events hosted by India during this period. These include the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted with Sri Lanka, meaning Pakistan will play all its matches in Sri Lanka. India will also host the Women’s World Cup in 2025, and under the hybrid model, Pakistan’s team will be required to play in a neutral venue.
The finalization of the hybrid model has led to delays in the announcement of the Champions Trophy schedule, which should have been released at least 90 days in advance according to the contract with broadcasters. However, with the hybrid model now in place, fans and broadcasters like Star Sports can expect the schedule to be revealed soon. A meeting to discuss the operational modalities and schedule of the Champions Trophy, initially scheduled for Thursday, has been postponed to Saturday.
