Courtesy: ICC/PCB/BCCI
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly willing to accept India’s hybrid model to host the ICC Champions Trophy, wherein the latter would play its matches of the tournament at a neutral venue, but on certain conditions. It is understood that the agreement between all the parties is conditional on the International Cricket Council (ICC) implementing the same hybrid model whenever India’s hosts a tournament until 2031.
As per the report from the PTI, to whom a PCB source spoke about the matter, Pakistan wants to host all the matches of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on its home soil, but they are now willing to accept the hybrid model on certain conditions since India have refused to travel there. Apart from wanting the ICC to implement the hybrid model for all tournaments in India, they are looking to host the final of the Champions Trophy at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore if the Indian cricket team doesn’t make it.
Pakistan willing to accept a Hybrid Model for next year’s Champions Trophy: PCB Source
Notably, the PCB has given multiple assurances about safety and security of the players, but the BCCI is unwilling to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan on the advice of the Indian government. A PCB source was quoted as saying to the PTI, “Pakistan Cricket Board willing to accept a Hybrid Model for next year’s Champions Trophy and play India in Dubai if ICC implements the same policy for all its events going till 2031.”
Moreover, in a latest report from the Times of India, an ICC official spoke about how nobody should be surprised if the Champions Trophy 2025 is moved out of Pakistan in its entirety, without the involvement of their cricket team. He was quoted as saying, “At this stage, don't be surprised if the tournament is played out of Pakistan, and even without Pakistan. If PCB doesn't accept the hybrid model, there is a bright possibility of that happening too.”
