PCB to acept hybrid model for Champions Trophy 2025? ICC resolves hosting disputes amid rising tensions

Sports News: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is prepared to accept a hybrid hosting model for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy after discussions with the International Cricket Council (ICC). This development comes following the Indian government's decision not to permit its cricket team to travel to Pakistan, making the hybrid model the only feasible solution. The ICC announced this recommendation during its Board meeting on November 29, attended by representatives of 12 full members, three associate members, and the ICC Chair.

Conditions Attached to PCB's Acceptance

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who attended the meeting virtually from Dubai, proposed specific conditions to safeguard Pakistan's hosting rights while addressing practical challenges. Under the hybrid model:

• All matches involving India, including group stages, semi-finals, and finals (if India qualifies), will be held in Dubai.
• If India is eliminated in the group stage, Pakistan will host the semi-finals and finals in Lahore.
• Pakistan has requested neutral venues for its matches in ICC tournaments hosted by India in the future.

Diplomatic Tensions Shape Hosting Plans

Awarded hosting rights in November 2021, Pakistan had begun renovating stadiums in anticipation of the Champions Trophy. However, India’s security concerns led to prolonged negotiations, resulting in the ICC's compromise solution. While the PCB initially demanded full hosting rights, this hybrid arrangement preserves Pakistan's role as a tournament host.

India's matches in Dubai mean that gate revenue will be retained by the Emirates Cricket Board, with no revenue-sharing agreement with Pakistan. The PCB accepted this arrangement to ensure smooth tournament conduct despite diplomatic tensions.

Tournament Schedule and Concerns

The Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, has faced delays due to unresolved hosting disputes and fixture announcements. Suggestions to reveal match dates without specifying venues were rejected by stakeholders. The ICC is now under pressure to finalize details promptly.

Reiterating their position, India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated, "BCCI has issued a statement. They have said that there are security concerns there and it is therefore unlikely that the team will be going there." This reinforced the necessity for a neutral venue for India’s participation.