Pakistan, India Agree on Hybrid Model for ICC Champions Trophy and Future Events
Pakistan and India reached a breakthrough agreement on Thursday to resolve their differences over hosting the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy through a hybrid model, ESPNcricinfo reported.
The tournament, scheduled from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan, had faced uncertainty due to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) refusal to send its team to Pakistan, citing political and security concerns. Despite reassurances from all member boards about security arrangements, the impasse persisted until now.
Hybrid Model Agreed Upon
Under the hybrid model, India will play its matches at a neutral venue, while Pakistan’s games scheduled in India for ICC events until 2027 will also take place at neutral venues. This arrangement applies to the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, and the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
The neutral venue for matches will be proposed by the tournament host and must be approved by the ICC. The ICC also indicated its openness to a triangular T20I series involving Pakistan, India, and another Asian Full Member or Associate Member nation, subject to matches being held at neutral venues.
Champions Trophy Schedule and Future Hosting Rights
The Champions Trophy schedule is expected to be finalized soon, with Pakistan aiming to defend the title they won in 2017. Additionally, the PCB was awarded hosting rights for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028, which will also follow the neutral venue model. Cricket Australia is set to host a senior ICC women’s event between 2029 and 2031.
Mixed Reactions from Former Players
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram described the decision as “the best solution” under the circumstances but lamented the missed opportunity for young Pakistani fans to see top Indian players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma play in Pakistan.
“It’s not a win for any country, but I’m saddened that millions of Gen Z fans in Pakistan will miss this chance,” Akram told AFP.
Former pacer Mohammad Amir echoed similar sentiments, expressing his disappointment that Indian players would not visit Pakistan. “I would have loved to host Kohli at my house in Lahore,” he said, adding that Indian players would have received a warm welcome in Pakistan, as Pakistani players experienced in India during the 2016 T20 World Cup.
Political Tensions Impact Cricket
India’s refusal to play bilateral cricket with Pakistan stems from longstanding political tensions, particularly after the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The situation forced Pakistan to adopt a hybrid hosting model for last year’s Asia Cup, with India’s matches and the final held in Sri Lanka. However, Pakistan did play in India during the 2023 ICC World Cup.
PCB’s Commitment to Hosting
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to host the ICC Champions Trophy during a meeting of the PCB Board of Governors in Islamabad. He confirmed that preparations, including renovations and upgrades to stadiums, are on track to meet international standards.
“Our focus has always been on ensuring success for Pakistan and cricket,” Naqvi said. “The people of Pakistan are eager to see international teams playing on our home grounds. Cricket is a sport loved by millions and should remain free from politics.”
The Governing Board lauded Naqvi’s leadership and commitment to hosting the tournament successfully.
