The ICC has resolved the dispute over the 2025 Champions Trophy by approving a hybrid hosting model, which ensures that matches involving India and Pakistan in ICC events are held at neutral venues when hosted in the other's country. This agreement, finalized through an ICC board vote, addresses political tensions between the two nations and will apply to ICC events from 2024 to 2027.
Under this arrangement, all matches featuring India in ICC tournaments hosted by Pakistan will be played at neutral venues, and likewise, Pakistan's matches in ICC events hosted by India will also be moved to neutral locations. This includes knockout games such as semifinals and finals.
The hybrid model takes effect with the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan and extends to the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup in India, the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, and potentially the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup, which is slated to be hosted by Pakistan.
For the Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will propose a neutral venue, such as the UAE or Sri Lanka, to the ICC within 24 hours of the resolution's approval. The PCB retains full hosting rights for the tournament.
Additionally, the resolution paves the way for potential tri-nation or quadrangular T20 tournaments involving India, Pakistan, and other Asian nations at neutral venues. This proposal, advocated by the PCB during negotiations, is subject to agreements between the BCCI and PCB, with no public comments allowed from ICC directors.
The agreement comes as a relief for all stakeholders, particularly with the Champions Trophy fast approaching. The impasse began when the BCCI declared it would not send its team to Pakistan, citing political tensions. Negotiations involved the PCB, BCCI, ICC, and government officials from both countries.
Jay Shah, the former BCCI secretary and now ICC chairman, played a key role in the talks alongside Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chair and Pakistan's interior minister. While the PCB initially opposed a hybrid model, they eventually sought a more balanced solution, successfully securing neutral venues for their matches in India-hosted ICC events.
This resolution ensures the continuation of ICC tournaments amid strained India-Pakistan relations, allowing cricket fans worldwide to enjoy these marquee events without further delays.
Updated on 19th December, 2024 by MyFortune11 Team