The tussle surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be hosted by Pakistan next year, seems to be gradually settling down. However, the tournament schedule has not been released yet. An International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting regarding this was scheduled for Thursday, December 5, but it has been postponed once again. The meeting will now take place on December 7.
In the meantime, significant news has emerged regarding the Champions Trophy schedule. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has agreed to the hybrid model, meaning the Indian team will play its matches in another country.
5 of the 15 Matches to Be Played Outside Pakistan
According to reports, ICC has prepared a plan to schedule all matches involving India, including the final, in the UAE. A total of 15 matches are to be played under the Champions Trophy, including the final.
The plan is to host the final, both knockout matches, and all of India’s group-stage matches in the UAE. An official announcement regarding the schedule is yet to be made.
An ICC source told PTI, “All parties have agreed in principle that the 2025 Champions Trophy will be held in both UAE and Pakistan. India will play its matches in Dubai. This arrangement is a win-win for all stakeholders.”
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Final Match Could Be Held in Lahore
If the Indian team does not reach the final, the match could be held in Lahore. Lahore has been kept as a backup venue for the final. However, if India makes it to the final, the title clash will take place in Dubai.
Hybrid Model to Be Used for ICC Tournaments Until 2027
Last week, during the previous ICC meeting, Pakistan withdrew its boycott threat and agreed to the hybrid model, demanding similar arrangements for itself until 2031. However, ICC has agreed to the hybrid model only until 2027 for all its competitions.
During this period, India will host the Women’s ODI World Cup in October next year and co-host the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup with Sri Lanka. Even if the hybrid model was not implemented, Pakistan would not be obligated to travel to India for the 2026 tournament.
Pakistan Demands Tri-Series with India
As part of accepting the hybrid model, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made certain demands, including organizing a tri-series between India and Pakistan at a neutral venue. The third participating country could be any nation. However, this proposal was not accepted by ICC or BCCI.
Brief Meeting Held on December 5
The crucial ICC meeting on December 5 lasted only a few minutes. During this time, members discussed the repeated delays in finalizing the tournament schedule. ICC members felt that the matter was not progressing and issued a final warning to the PCB.
The ICC clearly stated that PCB had no option other than accepting the hybrid model. With no other choice, the PCB agreed to the arrangement. A formal meeting is now scheduled for December 7, after which the schedule and other details are expected to be announced.