In a major development, the ICC has clarified the uncertainty surrounding the 2025 Champions Trophy by confirming a Hybrid Model for the tournament. The decision comes after the BCCI refused to send its Indian team to Pakistan in view of security concerns. The PCB had been sticking to its demand to continue as host, and the Hybrid Model deal was reached where India would play their matches at a neutral venue.
In its statement on Thursday, the ICC confirmed that the schedule will be announced soon. It also outlined that India and Pakistan matches at ICC events in the 2024-2027 cycle will be hosted at neutral venues. The decision will affect several tournaments, including the 2025 Champions Trophy, which will be hosted by Pakistan, the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, which will be hosted by India, and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The PCB has also bagged the hosting rights for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028, which will also adopt the Hybrid Model. Cricket Australia will host an ICC women’s event between 2029 and 2031.
Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule Set To Be Revealed Soon: Report
India has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The Hybrid Model was earlier used for the Asia Cup as Sri Lanka hosted India’s matches.
The 2025 Champions Trophy, last held in 2017 when Pakistan first won the title by defeating India, will have eight teams, such as India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and hosts Pakistan. The tournament is likely to occur in February-March the following year. According to reports, the PCB will prefer Sri Lanka as the co-host, but as a logistical issue, it is likely that India will play its matches in the UAE.
