Dubai, December 13, 2024: In a landmark development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly approved a hybrid hosting model for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, allowing matches to be held in both Pakistan and Dubai. Indian media reports, citing sources, suggest that the agreement between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) aims to address logistical and geopolitical challenges in international cricket.
Under the proposed model, Pakistan will host the majority of the tournament, with 10 matches scheduled to take place in the country. However, all of India’s league-stage matches, including the much-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan, will be relocated to Dubai due to security and geopolitical concerns. Additionally, the semifinals and final of the tournament are slated to be held in Dubai. Should India fail to progress beyond the group stage, the semifinals and final will shift back to Pakistan.
The agreement also has implications for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Pakistan will not travel to India for their league-stage match against India, which will instead be played in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This adjustment is seen as a reciprocal response to India’s refusal to play in Pakistan during the Champions Trophy.
While the PCB will not receive financial compensation for these adjustments, they have secured a major concession. After 2027, Pakistan will be granted the rights to host an ICC Women’s tournament, marking a significant achievement for the PCB. This agreement not only addresses immediate concerns but also paves the way for Pakistan to host future international events.
The hybrid model reflects a significant step toward balancing the challenges of international cricket with the realities of geopolitical tensions, and the Champions Trophy 2025 will serve as a critical test case for this new approach.
