The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering a hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy following reports that the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament. India has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup due to ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
According to a report, the ICC has begun discussing alternative plans in case the BCCI decides against sending its team to Pakistan. ANI previously reported that the BCCI has requested the cricket governing body to move India’s matches to either Sri Lanka or Dubai.
India’s concerns regarding travel to Pakistan are expected to be addressed at the upcoming ICC annual conference in Colombo, scheduled for July 19 to 22. The report also mentioned that a “contingency budget” is being considered for holding the Champions Trophy matches outside of Pakistan, with Dubai emerging as a likely venue.
One proposal suggests splitting the matches between Karachi and Dubai to ease travel logistics, though Lahore and Rawalpindi remain options as well.
Last year, the BCCI attributed its decision not to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup to a denial of permission from the Indian government. After extensive discussions, the continental tournament was co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
If the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy is approved, there is a possibility that one of the semi-final matches and the final could also be relocated from Pakistan.
The Champions Trophy will be the first global ICC event hosted by Pakistan since the 1996 ODI World Cup, which they co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka.
