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As per the recent developments, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has reached at a consensus to hold the upcoming Champions Trophy (CT) 2025 in a hybrid model with India playing all its matches at a neutral venue. It is to be noted that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been adamant to not travel to Pakistan for the tournament, citing security reasons, forcing ICC to take a tough call on Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to accept the hybrid model.
There have been reports of the PCB putting some conditions in order to accept the hybrid model, recent reports have revealed that the Pakistan board has finally accepted it, with India and Pakistan playing all its matches at neutral venues until 2027.
ICC, PCB agree for hybrid model until 2027; India-Pakistan matches at neutral venues: Reports
According to an ICC source, as quoted by The Telegraph, “It’s been agreed in principle by all parties that the 2025 Champions Trophy will be held in the UAE and Pakistan with India playing its matches in Dubai. It’s a win-win situation for all stakeholders.” It is being speculated that the decision was almost finalised in an informal meeting between Jay Shah, the new ICC Chair and Board of Directors, including Pakistan on Thursday, December 5.
Moreover, Pakistan have agreed to host the tournament in a hybrid model, the source further added that the 2026 T20 World Cup matches of Pakistan will be played in Sri Lanka. “During the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, Pakistan will play its matches in Sri Lanka. The compensation demanded by PCB for the Champions Trophy hybrid model is still under consideration,” the source stated.
This implies that ICC has agreed to a hybrid model for all its tournaments till 2027. Notably, during this period, India will be hosting the Women’s ODI World Cup in October 2025 followed by the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup jointly with Sri Lanka.
