The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a hybrid hosting model for the Champions Trophy 2025, with matches to be held in both Pakistan and Dubai. This decision, finalized on December 13, came after an agreement between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), according to India Today.
As part of the agreement, the PCB accepted the terms on one condition: the Pakistan cricket team will not travel to India for their league-stage match against India. Instead, this high-profile clash will take place in Colombo.
While the PCB will miss out on hosting India matches and receive no financial compensation for this arrangement, they secured a significant win by gaining hosting rights for an ICC Women’s tournament after 2027.
ICC Approves Hybrid Hosting Model for Champions Trophy 2025
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially approved a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025, allowing matches to be held in Pakistan and Dubai. This decision follows an agreement between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Both boards have also finalized plans for the 2026 T20 World Cup, agreeing that Pakistan will not travel to India for their league-stage match against India, which will instead take place in Colombo, Sri Lanka, a co-host of the tournament.
Under the arrangement, the PCB will not receive financial compensation for losing the opportunity to host India matches. However, they have secured the hosting rights for an ICC Women’s tournament scheduled after 2027.
The agreement has been welcomed by all stakeholders, including the ICC, BCCI, and PCB, as it ensures smooth planning for these prestigious tournaments while addressing logistical and geopolitical challenges. Matches for the Champions Trophy will span three venues in Pakistan, with India games to be held in Dubai. This collaboration reflects a significant step toward balancing cricketing commitments wivth practical concerns.
Also Read: ICC Informs PCB: Hybrid Model or Relocation of Champions Trophy 2025
Champions Trophy 2025
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to host the Champions Trophy 2025, with Pakistan organizing 10 matches of the tournament. However, India’s three league games, including the highly awaited India-Pakistan match, will take place in Dubai.
The tournament’s semifinal and final are also planned for Dubai. If India fails to progress beyond the league stage, these crucial matches will be shifted to Lahore and Rawalpindi in Pakistan.
The PCB previously stated that if India declines to visit Pakistan for the 2025 ICC event, they would retaliate by skipping India as a host for the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the BCCI and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). Instead, the PCB suggested playing their matches in Colombo. The semifinal and final venues for the 2027 T20 World Cup will be finalized later.
The 2025 Champions Trophy is set to run from February 19 to March 9, featuring eight teams split into two groups. The top two teams from each group will compete in the semifinals, leading up to the final. This hybrid hosting model mirrors the Men’s 50-over Asia Cup format, where Pakistan hosted the event, but India’s matches, including the semifinals and final, were held in Colombo.
Also Read: ICC Cancels PCB’s Plan for Champions Trophy Tour in PoK Amid Controversy
FAQs
Q.1. What is the hybrid hosting model for the 2025 Champions Trophy?
Ans. The hybrid hosting model allows matches to be held in both Pakistan and Dubai, addressing logistical and geopolitical challenges.
Q.2. Why will India’s matches in the Champions Trophy 2025 be played in Dubai?
Ans. India’s matches, including the India-Pakistan clash, will be held in Dubai due to BCCI’s agreement with the PCB.
Q.3. When will the 2025 Champions Trophy take place?
Ans. The tournament is scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025.
Q.4. What is the significance of the hybrid model for cricket?
Ans. The hybrid model ensures the tournament proceeds smoothly despite political tensions, fostering collaboration between cricket boards.
Q.5. Will Pakistan host any ICC events in the future?
Ans. Yes, as part of the agreement, PCB has secured hosting rights for an ICC Women’s tournament after 2027.
