The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly agreed to host ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on hybrid model. The sources has indicated the tournament will be held under the leadership of Mohsin Naqvi, if India fails to progress in the tournament, the final will be held in Lahore.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has informed the PCB that a hybrid model was not the only viable solution for hosting the Champions Trophy 2025. The announcement came after the ICC board meeting in Friday, as Indian government refused to send Indian team to travel to Pakistan.
The proposed hybrid model will be the only solution allowing Pakistan to retain partial hosting rights for the tournament. In a virtual meeting attended by 12 full ICC members, three associate members and the ICC chair, no conseuc was reached.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi participated in the meeting from Dubai. Notably, pakistan were awarded the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy 2025 in November 2021, due to which they started the renovation works in three stadiums in preparations for the event.
All India’s match involving the Indian cricket team including group stages, semi finals and the final (if they qualify) will be played in Dubai. If India fails to progress the group stages, Pakistan has secured the right to host the semi finals and finals in Lahore.
Pakistan also requested that if India hosts future ICC events, Pakistan’s matches will be played at neutral venues.
The PCB had initially insisted on full hosting rights but faced resistance due to India citing security concerns. After certain negotiations, the ICC proposed the hybrid model as a conmpromise.
The ICC board meeting which included representative from all 12 full member, three associate members and the ICC chair, ended without a consenus.
The hybrid model grants Pakistan partial hosting rights, preserving its role as a key tournament venue.
Financial arrangement, including gate revenue the tournament’s smooth conduct amid diplomatic tensions.
Financial arrangements, including gate revenue from matches in Dubai, will remain exclusive to the Emirates Cricket Board, excluding revenue sharing with Pakistan.
The ministry of External affairs also confirmed their stance of not opting to sent the Indian team to Pakistan.
“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,” said an MEA spokesperson.
With the Champions Trophy stance are set to be cleared, the schedule is expected to be released soon.
