Champions Trophy 2025: ICC And PCB Reach Agreement On Hybrid Model For Tournaments Until 2027

The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have reportedly reached a preliminary agreement to implement a hybrid model for global tournaments hosted in Pakistan or India until 2027. This development could resolve the deadlock surrounding the Champions Trophy 2025.

This arrangement would enable both countries to play their matches at ICC tournaments hosted by either nation at neutral venues. However, it remains uncertain if this model will be applied to both men's and women's tournaments.

The ICC's current commercial cycle from 2024 to 2027 includes three major events scheduled in these countries. The Champions Trophy is set for Pakistan in February 2025, followed by the women's ODI World Cup in India later that year. In 2026, India and Sri Lanka will co-host the men's T20 World Cup.

ESPNcricinfo reports that this agreement was reached after discussions between new ICC Chair Jay Shah and PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi in Dubai. These talks coincided with a courtesy board meeting arranged by Shah during his visit to the ICC headquarters. A formal Board meeting regarding the Champions Trophy is slated for Saturday.

The PCB's acceptance of this hybrid model for the eight-team Champions Trophy hinges on several conditions. A primary condition is its applicability to all ICC events, including women's, hosted in India and Pakistan until at least 2027, if not through the entire events cycle until 2031.

Additional conditions involve compensation for potential commercial revenue losses if India's Champions Trophy games occur at neutral venues abroad. If India advances to knockout stages, at least one semi-final and possibly the final might be held outside Pakistan. The UAE and Sri Lanka are top candidates for these neutral venues.

Proposed Solutions and Future Discussions

To mitigate financial losses from matches played elsewhere, the PCB has suggested organizing a tri-nation series involving India, Pakistan, and another country. Further negotiations between both boards and the ICC are anticipated, with a final decision expected at the December 7 Board meeting.

The PCB initially planned to commence the Champions Trophy on February 19, 2025, with Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi as host cities. However, due to ongoing issues, the ICC has yet to release an event schedule.

Last month, the BCCI informed the ICC that it could not send its team to Pakistan without clearance from the Indian government. This situation has contributed to delays in finalizing tournament arrangements.