ICC, PCB reportedly agree on hybrid model for 2025 Champions Trophy hosting

The ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have reportedly reached an in-principle agreement to adopt a hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy, allowing games involving India and Pakistan to be played at neutral venues during ICC events hosted in the other country. This approach is expected to extend to global tournaments hosted in Pakistan and India until 2027.

While the PCB, the official host of the 2025 Champions Trophy, has not officially commented, sources confirmed the development to ESPNcricinfo. The PCB has set several conditions for adopting the model, including its application across all ICC events, including women’s tournaments, hosted in either country until at least 2027.

The hybrid arrangement seeks to address India’s inability to play matches in Pakistan without clearance from its government. If India progresses to the knockout stages, the model may result in a semi-final or final being played at a neutral venue. The UAE and Sri Lanka are leading candidates for such venues.

The PCB has also proposed a tri-nation series involving India, Pakistan, and another country to offset potential financial losses arising from matches being played outside the host nation. Further negotiations between the PCB, ICC, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are expected, with a final decision likely at the December 7 ICC Board meeting.

Upcoming ICC Events and Challenges

The hybrid model could apply to three ICC global events scheduled in the current commercial cycle (2024-27):

1. 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan
2. Women’s ODI World Cup in India in late 2025
3. Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka

Also See: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule, Upcoming Matches, Match Dates, Timing and Venues

The ICC has not yet released the schedule for the Champions Trophy due to ongoing discussions. The PCB had initially planned for the tournament to start on February 19, 2025, with Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi as the host cities.

The agreement reportedly followed discussions between new ICC Chair Jay Shah and PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi in Dubai. Shah, who recently assumed the ICC chairmanship, has pledged a “new era” for cricket and has been actively engaging with member boards to shape strategies for the game’s future. Shah, who previously served as BCCI Secretary, has held influential positions within the ICC, including as head of its Finance & Commercial Affairs Committee.

Speculation remains about Shah’s successor as BCCI Secretary. Joint Secretary Devajit Saikia represented the BCCI at the ICC meetings in Dubai, signaling his potential future role on the ICC Board.