ICC Finalizes Hybrid Model for 2025 Champions Trophy, Pakistan Matches to Be Held Outside India

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reached a decision regarding the 2025 Champions Trophy, agreeing to a hybrid model for the tournament. According to the new arrangement, matches involving India will be held under this model, and Pakistan's matches in events hosted by India will take place outside India.

The proposal, which is expected to be approved by the ICC board, states that all of India's matches in Pakistan during the 2024-27 cycle will be played at neutral venues. In return, any Pakistan-related matches in tournaments hosted by India will be played outside the country. This agreement applies to several upcoming ICC events, including the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup in India, and the 2026 T20 World Cup jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The ICC also hinted that this arrangement could extend to the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup, the first ICC event of the next cycle, which Pakistan is scheduled to host. The neutral venue proposal will be presented by the host board and require ICC's final approval.

Furthermore, the ICC has no objections to hosting a triangular or quadrangular T20 tournament involving India, Pakistan, and other Asian countries or associate members at neutral venues. This idea emerged after Pakistan lost the hosting rights for India's matches in the Champions Trophy. With the ICC’s official announcement, the long-running dispute between India and Pakistan regarding the Champions Trophy has been resolved. Fans are now awaiting the tournament schedule, with speculation that the India-Pakistan match could be held in Dubai.