The International Cricket Council (ICC) has agreed to host the 2025 Champions Trophy under a hybrid model, allowing India to play its matches in Dubai while Pakistan serves as a co-host for the tournament. This arrangement, approved “in principle” during an informal meeting at ICC headquarters in Dubai, extends to other ICC multi-lateral events through to 2027.
The decision was reached following discussions involving ICC President Jay Shah and the Board of Directors, including representatives from Pakistan. “It’s been agreed in principle by all parties that the 2025 Champions Trophy will be held in the UAE and Pakistan, with India playing its matches in Dubai. It’s a win-win situation for all stakeholders,” an ICC source revealed to PTI.
The Champions Trophy, scheduled for February-March next year, will see India avoid travelling to Pakistan, a stance it has maintained since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. In turn, Pakistan will also benefit from the hybrid model during future ICC events, such as the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup, which India is co-hosting with Sri Lanka. For that tournament, Pakistan will play its matches in Sri Lanka.
Pakistan had earlier demanded a reciprocal hybrid arrangement for ICC events until 2031. While the ICC has agreed to this model until 2027, other requests from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), including increased revenue shares, are reportedly still under discussion.
The agreement is expected to pave the way for the long-delayed release of the Champions Trophy schedule. As per ICC’s contract with broadcaster Star Sports, the tournament schedule should have been finalised at least 90 days in advance. However, negotiations over the hybrid model have caused delays.
Representatives from Star Sports were present in Dubai to discuss operational aspects and scheduling with Jay Shah, though their meeting has been postponed to Saturday.
The hybrid arrangement will also affect women’s cricket. Should India and Pakistan face each other in the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup, hosted by India this October, their league match could be played at a neutral venue.
The PCB, which had previously threatened to boycott ICC events if its demands were not met, has softened its stance. “Cricket should win; that’s most important, but with respect for all. We are going to do what’s best for cricket,” PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi stated after the last ICC meeting.
This compromise is expected to reduce tensions between the cricketing rivals, though security concerns and political considerations remain significant factors in determining bilateral ties. India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012, and diplomatic relations continue to influence cricketing decisions.
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