ICC approves hybrid model for 2025 Champions Trophy, Pakistan won't travel to India for 2026 T20 World Cup: Reports
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly approved the hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy. As per the arrangement, India have been allowed to play their matches in Dubai. In return, Pakistan will also not travel to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup and play their league-stage match against India in Colombo.
A massive impasse ensued over the 2025 Champions Trophy after India refused to travel to Pakistan for the tournament due to security concerns and poor political relations between the neighboring countries. Amid the logjam, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) even threatened to cut all cricketing ties with India.
As per a report in India Today on Friday, December 13, the ICC has approved the hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy. While Pakistan will host the event, India's games will be held in Dubai. Similarly, Pakistan will not travel to India for their league-stage match of the 2026 T20 World Cup against the arch-rivals. The game will be played in Sri Lanka, the co-hosts of the ICC event.
The report added that the semifinals and final of the 2025 Champions Trophy are likely to be held in Dubai. However, if India get eliminated after the league stage, the knockout games will be held in Lahore and Rawalpindi.
The report further mentioned that the PCB will not receive any financial compensation for the arrangement agreed upon. However, they have been given hosting rights for an ICC Women’s tournament after 2027. Reportedly all the parties, the BCCI, the ICC, and the PCB, are happy with the compromise formula.
About the 2025 Champions Trophy
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held from February 19 to March 9. A total of eight teams are taking part in the event and will be divided into two groups of four each. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semifinals of the ODI tournament.
Former champions Sri Lanka have failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy for the first time. On the other hand, Afghanistan will make their debut in the event. Hosts Pakistan are the defending champions in the tournament. They won the 2017 final by defeating India by 180 runs at The Oval.