The upcoming Champions Trophy, scheduled to return to the cricket calendar in February-March, is expected to adopt a hybrid model due to India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan for ODI matches. Pakistan, holding the hosting rights, may host some matches, while others could be held in UAE or Sri Lanka, sources informed India Today.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) submitted a draft schedule to the International Cricket Council (ICC), with India’s matches planned in Lahore, including a high-profile clash against arch-rivals on March 1. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not confirmed India’s travel plans yet.
“It is highly unlikely that the team will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, pending government approval. A hybrid model is being considered, with matches possibly in UAE or Sri Lanka, similar to the Asia Cup format. The ICC’s stance will also factor in,” a source stated.
PCB chair Mohsin Naqvi previously expressed intentions to host the entire tournament in Pakistan, which will be discussed further at an ICC Board Meeting in Colombo later this month.
India has refrained from bilateral cricket with Pakistan since 2012-13 and has not visited Pakistan since 2008. Last year, India played their Asia Cup matches in Sri Lanka after declining to visit Pakistan, eventually winning the tournament.
Recently, PCB invested approximately 17 billion rupees to upgrade stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi for the tournament, aiming to showcase Pakistan’s capabilities after disappointing performances in recent ICC events.
Pakistan, champions of the 2017 Champions Trophy, will seek redemption following underwhelming displays in the 2023 and 2024 World Cups.
