A major development has been reported regarding the 2025 Champions Trophy. The International Cricket Council (ICC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have reportedly agreed in principle to use a hybrid model for ICC tournaments hosted by Pakistan or India until 2027. This model will allow both countries to play their matches at neutral venues during tournaments hosted by the other nation.
While sources have confirmed this agreement to ESPNcricinfo, the PCB, which is set to host the 2025 Champions Trophy, hasn’t officially commented yet, saying discussions are still ongoing.
It’s still unclear whether this hybrid model will cover both men’s and women’s tournaments. For the current ICC commercial cycle (2024–27), three major events are set to be hosted in Pakistan or India: the Champions Trophy in Pakistan (February 2025), the women’s ODI World Cup in India (late 2025), and the men’s T20 World Cup in 2026, which India will co-host with Sri Lanka.
Recent Talks in Dubai
The agreement reportedly came after meetings between the new ICC Chair, Jay Shah, and PCB Chair, Mohsin Naqvi, held in Dubai. These discussions took place alongside a courtesy meeting hosted by Shah during his visit to ICC headquarters. A formal ICC Board meeting about the Champions Trophy is planned for December 7.
The PCB’s acceptance of the hybrid model depends on certain conditions, including:
- The hybrid model should apply to all ICC events, including women’s tournaments, hosted in Pakistan or India until 2027, or ideally until the 2031 event cycle.
- Compensation for any financial losses from India’s matches being played at neutral venues.
For instance, if India qualifies for the knockout stages, one semifinal or the final could be played outside Pakistan. The UAE and Sri Lanka are leading options for these neutral venues. To counter financial losses, the PCB has proposed hosting a tri-nation series involving Pakistan, India, and another country.
Scheduling Challenges
The ICC has not yet released a schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy due to the ongoing uncertainty. The PCB initially planned to start the tournament on February 19, 2025, with matches in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.
However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed the ICC last month that India cannot send its team to Pakistan without government clearance.
Jay Shah’s New Role
Jay Shah, the youngest ICC Chair at 36, has pledged a “new era” for global cricket. Formerly the BCCI Secretary, Shah aims to elevate cricket’s popularity and impact. In his first media statement as ICC Chair, he outlined strategies for cricket’s future.
However, there is speculation about Shah’s successor as BCCI Secretary. Joint-secretary Devajit Saikia represented the BCCI at ICC meetings in Dubai, signaling he could take over as the new BCCI representative on the ICC Board.
What’s Next?
Further discussions between the ICC, PCB, and BCCI are expected. A final decision on the hybrid model and other arrangements will likely be made at the December 7 ICC Board meeting.
