In the midst of the tension between Pakistan Cricket Board and International Cricket Council over the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, Pakistan has agreed to go ahead with the hybrid model. The grand tournament was supposed to be held entirely in Pakistan but has now been shifted to another model.
The Mohsin Naqvi-led board delivered its final response to cricket’s top governing body, the ICC, regarding their offer of yesterday’s meeting. The Pakistani board has agreed to the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy but has kept some conditions. The board has asked for an increase in the revenue from the ICC and a hybrid model for all the ICC events happening in India till 2031.
The ICC is expected to review these demands and issue a decision soon, which will include the announcement of the schedule for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The governing body is likely to consider approving a hybrid format for the tournament, referencing the ongoing civil unrest and protests in Pakistan.
The PCB also demanded that if India fails to progress beyond the group stages of the competition, Pakistan will be hosting the semi-final and final in Lahore. This all started after the Government of India denied its team permission to visit Pakistan.
Although no official statements have been made by either the ICC or the PCB, reports suggest that India is expected to play its matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This arrangement is reportedly part of a proposed hybrid model aimed at addressing logistical and security concerns amid ongoing tensions in the region.
PCB president Mohsin Naqvi assured that the situation in Pakistan remains stable and that all participating teams in the mega-event would receive state-level security. He also mentioned that construction work at the stadiums slated to host the tournament is progressing as planned, adding that the people of Pakistan are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness the world’s top teams and players compete in their country.
The ICC is expected to take the final decision on the venue of 2025 Champions Trophy after the acceptance of hybrid model by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
