ICC confirm Hybrid-model for 2025 Champions Trophy

LAHORE: The International Cricket Council (ICC) finally reached a decision regarding next year’s Champions Trophy on Thursday, which appeases both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). India’s matches in the tournament will take place at a neutral venue.

The agreement extends to all ICC events for the next three years. In events hosted by Pakistan, such as February Champions Trophy, India’s matches will be played at a neutral venue. Similarly, in events hosted by India, such as the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup and the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, Pakistan’s matches will be played at a neutral venue.

According to ESPNcricinfo, the agreement could also include the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup, which will be hosted in Pakistan.

A neutral venue has yet to be decided. For next year’s champions trophy, Dubai is one possible location, as Pakistan have played many of their past home games in the United Arab Emirates. For the 2026 men’s T20 world cup, Pakistan’s matches can be played in Sri Lanka, as they are co-hosting the tournament with India.

The ICC have also suggested Pakistan could co-host a future triangular T20I tournament, which would also involve India and another Asian nation, as compensation for enforcing a hybrid-model on the Champions Trophy.

Read more: Champions Trophy: Latest updates to venues and schedule

MOHSIN NAQVI RESPONDS

PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi stated “the ICC needs to inform about the Champions Trophy schedule,” and that the decision must be given in writing.

“I hope the ICC will announce the decision soon,” said Naqvi.

VENUE CHANGES

Earlier media reports suggested that matches that would have taken place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium may be moved to Karachi and Lahore. Sources suggested that this was due to a lack of spider cameras, a necessity to meet the standards for international ICC events such as the Champions Trophy.

According to sources the ICC would prefer to keep the venues at a maximum of three, as having four venues would incur higher costs, including an increased budget for camera installation, hotel accommodations, travel, and branding.

However, the sources also suggested that the PCB is reportedly keen on hosting matches in the previously announced three stadiums.

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