The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has agreed to adopt the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy scheduled for next year but has placed a key condition before the International Cricket Council (ICC). During a virtual meeting held on Friday between the ICC and its member nations, the global cricket body issued an ultimatum to the PCB. The ICC asked Pakistan to either agree to host the Champions Trophy under the hybrid model or be ready to forgo hosting the tournament.
Champions Trophy Program Delayed
With the Champions Trophy 2025 approaching, its schedule is yet to be finalized. Pakistan was originally awarded the hosting rights for the tournament. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to send its team to Pakistan, citing security concerns. This led to discussions about organizing the tournament under a hybrid model. Until now, the PCB had been rejecting this model, but it appears they are now left with limited options.
Hybrid Model in Asia Cup
If the hybrid model is approved, matches involving India and a few other games could be played in the UAE. A similar model was implemented during the Asia Cup last year, where matches involving India and the final were held in Sri Lanka. Reports suggest that the ICC might soon make an official announcement on this matter.
PCB’s Condition for 2031
According to PTI, PCB sources revealed that the board is ready to accept the hybrid model for next year’s Champions Trophy, where India will play its matches in Dubai. However, the PCB has stipulated that the ICC must extend this policy to all ICC tournaments until 2031. The board is also demanding a larger share in the ICC’s annual revenue cycle in exchange for agreeing to the hybrid model.
A PCB source stated, “Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has made it clear that he will only accept the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy if the ICC agrees that all future ICC tournaments will follow the same model, allowing Pakistan to avoid playing its matches in India.”
Additionally, the PCB wants the ICC to increase Pakistan’s share in the financial cycle from the current 5.75%. However, the PCB has not demanded additional hosting fees. Naqvi reportedly sought more time to discuss this matter with the Pakistani government before presenting his final stance at the ICC’s virtual meeting.
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Mohsin Naqvi’s Statement
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also commented on the matter, stating, “I don’t want to say too much, as it could complicate things. We’ve shared our perspective with the ICC, and the Indians have done the same. The goal is to ensure a win-win situation for everyone. Cricket must be the winner, but respect for all parties is crucial. Pakistan’s pride is paramount, and we must ensure cricket thrives without compromising our honor.”
When asked if Pakistan had agreed to the hybrid model, Naqvi replied, “Let’s see what happens. My focus is on ensuring there is no one-sided arrangement. It cannot be that we go to India, but they don’t come to our country. The aim is to settle this matter on equal terms once and for all.”
India’s Hosting Commitments Until 2031
The dispute between India and Pakistan over the Champions Trophy remains unresolved. The ICC is keen to find a resolution soon. However, accepting the PCB’s conditions might not be easy, as India is set to host several key tournaments in the future. These include the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, the 2025 Men’s Asia Cup, the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup (co-hosted with Sri Lanka), the 2029 Champions Trophy, and the 2031 ODI World Cup (co-hosted with Bangladesh).
