ICC Approves Hybrid Model for 2025 Champions Trophy, India to Play Matches in Dubai

New Delhi(The Uttam Hindu): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has agreed to a hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy, which would enable India to play its matches in Dubai while the remaining matches will be hosted in Pakistan. This decision follows an agreement between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), effectively resolving the ongoing dispute over the location of the tournament. The hybrid model ensures that India can participate in the event without having to travel to Pakistan, as initially planned.

Apart from the Champions Trophy arrangements, it has also been confirmed that Pakistan will not travel to India for its league-stage match against India for the 2026 T20 World Cup. The match will instead be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This move further solidifies the neutral venue approach to ensure both cricketing nations are addressed regarding their security and political tensions.

Although the PCB won't get any monetary benefit for this hybrid model, it has guaranteed hosting rights for future ICC Women's tournaments beyond 2027. The hybrid model has come at a time when Pakistan had threatened to boycott the tournament earlier and then decided on the same during an ICC meeting. Pakistan had earlier refused hosting matches in Pakistan but is now seeking the same setup for future tournaments till 2031.

India, which had refused to play its Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan, welcomed the neutral venue model as a solution. This landmark decision is expected to pave the way for more flexible arrangements in future ICC events, ensuring both nations can compete without compromising on their respective concerns.