The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the Champions Trophy 2025 will be held using a Hybrid Model, resolving uncertainty about the tournament’s status. This decision was made after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) declined to send the Indian team to Pakistan, citing security concerns. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), firm on hosting the event, agreed to the ICC’s Hybrid Model proposal, which ensures that India’s matches will be played at a neutral venue.
In a statement released on Thursday, the ICC announced that the tournament schedule would be shared soon. It also revealed that the matches between India and Pakistan during the ICC events between 2024 and 2027 would follow this Hybrid Model, with neutral venues hosting these high-stakes games. This approach will also apply to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2025, hosted by India, and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Additionally, the ICC awarded the PCB hosting rights for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028, which will also use the Hybrid Model.
The Cricket Australia, meanwhile, has been chosen to host one of the senior ICC women’s events between 2029 and 2031.
India has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and the last year’s Asia Cup was conducted under a similar Hybrid Model, with Sri Lanka hosting India’s matches.
The 2025 Champions Trophy, scheduled for February-March, will mark the return of the tournament after it was last held in 2017 when Pakistan defeated India to claim their first title. The upcoming edition will feature eight teams, including India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and the hosts Pakistan.
Reports suggest that the PCB prefers Sri Lanka as a co-host but there are pretty good chances that the matches of India will take place in UAE due to logistical reasons. Fans are now eagerly waiting for further details as the time of the tournament approaches.
