Photo Credit: Instagram Photo of @icctrophytour
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly approved a hybrid model proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for upcoming events, including the 2025 Champions Trophy, ending months of deadlock, according to Indian media reports on Friday.
The agreement, described as a win for Pakistan’s position, followed discussions between the PCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), as reported by India Today.
The eight-team Champions Trophy faced a stalemate after the BCCI informed the ICC that India would not play in Pakistan due to security concerns and political tensions.
Under the hybrid model, Pakistan will host group-stage matches, while the high-profile India-Pakistan clash will take place at a neutral venue. The final will either be held in Lahore or a neutral location, depending on India’s qualification.
The report also claimed both boards agreed that Pakistan would not travel to India for their 2026 T20 World Cup league-stage match against India, which will instead be hosted in Colombo.
Despite this arrangement, the PCB will not receive financial compensation. However, Pakistan secured hosting rights for an ICC Women’s tournament scheduled post-2027.
“The agreement has been well-received by all stakeholders, ensuring smooth planning for these marquee events while addressing logistical and geopolitical concerns,” the report added.
The 2025 Champions Trophy is scheduled to run from February 19 to March 9, featuring eight teams divided into two groups. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semifinals, followed by the final.
Previously, sources indicated the BCCI opposed certain conditions, including the final being played in Lahore if India failed to qualify.
India and Pakistan last played a bilateral series in 2012-13 when Pakistan toured India. Since then, they have only met in ICC multi-nation tournaments. Pakistan also hosted the 2023 Asia Cup on a hybrid model, with India’s matches and the final held in Sri Lanka.
India is set to co-host the 2026 T20 World Cup with Sri Lanka, the 2029 Champions Trophy, and the 2031 World Cup with Bangladesh. Pakistan has not hosted an ICC event since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup with India and Sri Lanka.
India-Pakistan clashes remain a major revenue driver in global cricket. Their match at the 2023 World Cup attracted 173 million TV viewers in India and 225 million digital viewers. Similarly, their 2021 T20 World Cup match reached 167 million viewers, generating 15.9 billion minutes of engagement in India alone, underscoring the financial significance of the rivalry.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Stay ahead of the latest cricket industry trends by subscribing to our free cricexec “daily briefing” newsletter.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
