The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shown openness to the possibility of a hybrid model for hosting the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy. However, the PCB's willingness to accept this model hinges on the condition that there is a formal, written agreement ensuring that Pakistan would be allowed the same option for any future global tournaments held in India.
While discussions are still underway, sources have confirmed that the PCB presented its proposal during recent meetings with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in Dubai. The PCB has called for a long-term agreement, extending beyond the 2025 Champions Trophy, that would allow Pakistan to play its matches at a neutral venue when global events are hosted in India. The duration of such provisions—whether for the next three years or until the current rights cycle ends in 2031—remains undecided.
India is set to host several major men's and women's global events, including the 2026 T20 World Cup, 2029 Champions Trophy, 2031 World Cup, and the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup. However, any India-Pakistan games during these events remain a concern. The next Asia Cup, set to be played in India in 2025, may also bring similar challenges, though it falls outside ICC's jurisdiction. PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi emphasized Pakistan's demand for equality in future arrangements: "A one-sided arrangement is no longer acceptable. Whatever happens must be based on equality," he told reporters.
While the BCCI has yet to comment publicly on the proposed hybrid model, sources suggest they may not be inclined to accept it for tournaments held in India. The ICC board is expected to reconvene soon to review the PCB's proposal and make a final decision. Any resolution will need approval from the governments of both India and Pakistan, as confirmed by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs citing security concerns preventing Indian teams from traveling to Pakistan.
Updated on 3rd November, 2024 by MyFortune11Team