The International Cricket Council (ICC) informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) during a meeting on Friday, November 19, that the hybrid model is the only viable option for hosting the Champions Trophy 2025. This decision comes after the Indian government denied permission for its cricket team to travel to Pakistan.
Despite the ICC’s proposal, the PCB firmly opposed the hybrid model, insisting that all matches should take place in Pakistan. However, the ICC clarified that such an arrangement is not practical. To address the matter, the PCB has decided to consult with the Pakistan government and will provide their stance during the ICC Board’s follow-up meeting scheduled for Saturday, November 30.
ICC Considers Options for Champions Trophy 2025
The International Cricket Council (ICC) Board held a brief virtual meeting today to discuss the 2025 Champions Trophy. The meeting, lasting just over 15 minutes, revealed a consensus among members supporting India’s decision not to travel to Pakistan due to the lack of government clearance.
An ICC official confirmed, “All members are aware of India’s stance and agree with their decision.”
Currently, the ICC Board is considering two options for the tournament:
- Adopting a hybrid model, where matches involving India take place at a neutral venue.
- Shifting the entire tournament out of Pakistan, while allowing the Pakistan Cricket Board to retain hosting rights.
Also Read: ICC Cancels PCB’s Plan for Champions Trophy Tour in PoK Amid Controversy
PCB Likely to Accept Hybrid Model for Champions Trophy 2025
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to accept the hybrid model after consulting with their government, which could help resolve the ongoing deadlock. This agreement would allow Pakistan to retain partial hosting rights for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
During a short virtual meeting on Friday, attended by 12 full ICC members, three associate members, and the ICC Chair, no agreement was reached. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi participated in the meeting from Dubai.
Champions Trophy 2025 Possible Scenarios
Pakistan Accepts the Hybrid Model: If Pakistan agrees to the Hybrid Model, India’s matches, one semi-final, and the final would be held in Dubai, while the rest of the matches would take place in Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) would still keep the hosting rights.
Pakistan Rejects the Hybrid Model: If the PCB rejects the proposal, the International Cricket Council (ICC) could vote against Pakistan’s stance. If Pakistan insists on their decision, they could lose the hosting rights, which may then be given to another country. This could lead to Pakistan deciding to boycott the tournament.
Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule Delayed
The announcement for the Champions Trophy schedule, originally set for November 11, has been delayed due to ongoing disagreements between the BCCI and the PCB.
In November 2021, Pakistan was granted the rights to host the 2025 Champions Trophy. Since then, the PCB has started renovating three of its stadiums in preparation for the event.
Recently, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi reaffirmed that Pakistan would not agree to a hybrid model for hosting the tournament.
Naqvi’s statement comes amid rising security concerns in Pakistan, highlighted by political protests in Islamabad. These protests, triggered by former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s political party, forced Sri Lanka’s A team to cut short its tour of Pakistan.
Last year, Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup in a hybrid model after India declined to travel there due to security concerns. India and Pakistan have not played bilateral cricket since the 2012-13 season, with the last encounter in India dating back to the 2008 Asia Cup.
The Champions Trophy is an eight-team tournament featuring the top 8 teams in the ICC ODI Rankings. Pakistan won the last edition of the tournament, defeating India in the final at the Oval in London.
Also Read: PCB Proposes India Play Champions Trophy Matches in Pakistan
FAQs
Q.1. What is the hybrid model for Champions Trophy 2025?
Ans. The hybrid model proposes that matches involving India be held at a neutral venue, while other matches take place in Pakistan.
Q.2. Why is the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule delayed?
Ans. The schedule has been delayed due to disagreements between the BCCI and PCB over the hosting arrangements and security concerns.
Q.3. What is the ICC’s stance on Pakistan hosting the Champions Trophy 2025?
Ans. The ICC insists on the hybrid model as the only viable option, given India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns.
Q.4. How will Pakistan’s decision impact its hosting rights for the Champions Trophy 2025?
Ans. If Pakistan rejects the hybrid model, it could lose its hosting rights, which might be transferred to another country.
Q.5. What security concerns have affected the Champions Trophy 2025?
Ans. Political protests and security issues in Pakistan, particularly in Islamabad, have raised concerns, leading to a reluctance for teams like India to travel there.
