The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially approved a hybrid hosting model for the 2025 Champions Trophy, a groundbreaking arrangement designed to address long-standing logistical and geopolitical challenges between India and Pakistan. This agreement, reached after extensive discussions between the ICC, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), ensures the smooth organization of the tournament while preserving its global appeal.
Under the hybrid model, Pakistan will serve as the primary host, with 10 matches scheduled to take place across venues in the country. However, India’s league-stage matches, including the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash, will be relocated to Dubai due to the BCCI’s reluctance to send the Indian team to Pakistan. The semifinals and final are also slated to be held in Dubai unless India is eliminated during the league stage. In such a scenario, the remaining knockout matches will shift back to Lahore and Rawalpindi, showcasing flexibility in the hosting arrangement.
The Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025, will feature eight teams divided into two groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals. The tournament will culminate in a final, promising high-stakes cricket that has become synonymous with ICC events. This hybrid format follows a precedent set during the 2023 Men’s Asia Cup, where India’s matches, including the final, were held in Colombo, while Pakistan hosted the rest of the tournament. The success of that model likely influenced the decision to replicate it for the Champions Trophy.
In a related development, the PCB and BCCI have also reached an agreement on the 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. In line with the hybrid approach, Pakistan will not travel to India for their league-stage match against India. Instead, this marquee match will be held in Colombo, under the jurisdiction of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). The arrangement ensures the participation of both nations in high-profile fixtures while mitigating diplomatic sensitivities.
Although the PCB will not receive financial compensation for forfeiting hosting rights for India’s matches, it has secured a significant concession from the ICC. Pakistan will host an ICC Women’s tournament after 2027, a milestone achievement for the PCB, which has long sought greater international engagement on its home soil. This development is expected to bolster Pakistan’s reputation as a viable host for global cricket events and pave the way for future tournaments.
The Champions Trophy agreement has been met with widespread approval by all stakeholders, with the ICC emphasizing its commitment to accommodating the unique challenges of international cricket governance. By striking this balance, the ICC aims to preserve the integrity of its tournaments while ensuring that geopolitical tensions do not undermine the sport’s global appeal.
The financial implications of this arrangement are also noteworthy. According to estimates presented during ICC deliberations, the hybrid hosting model will significantly reduce costs compared to the logistical expenses of conducting entirely separate tournaments. The ICC, BCCI, and PCB have recognized this arrangement's economic and strategic benefits, marking a turning point in their collaborative efforts.
The 2027 T20 World Cup semifinal and final venues remain undecided, with discussions expected to continue as the event approaches. However, the precedent set by these agreements bodes well for resolving future challenges. As cricket’s governing bodies work toward implementing these plans, the hybrid hosting model serves as a template for navigating complex international relationships in global sports.
This landmark agreement not only guarantees the participation of India and Pakistan in cricket’s most-watched encounters but also reaffirms the ICC’s ability to adapt to evolving geopolitical realities. The Champions Trophy and subsequent tournaments are set to deliver world-class cricket while showcasing a spirit of cooperation among nations.
