Pakistan and India have agreed to a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025. This means that India will play their matches at a neutral venue, likely Dubai, while the rest of the tournament will be held in Pakistan.
It’s official! Cricket diplomacy has scored a boundary. After weeks of bouncers and googlies, Pakistan and India have finally agreed to a hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and other major ICC events till 2027. In simpler terms, India won’t be visiting Pakistan for their matches but will play on neutral grounds. Pakistan gets the same deal for games hosted in India.
The eight-team event will feature Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, and South Africa, alongside hosts Pakistan.
The schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be confirmed soon, with Pakistan aiming to defend the title they won in 2017.
Why the Drama?
The ICC Champions Trophy, set to kick off in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, hit a snag when India refused to send its team, citing security concerns. Despite Pakistan’s assurances and a proposed “partnership formula,” the standoff persisted until the hybrid model was agreed upon.
As per this arrangement, India’s matches in the Champions Trophy will take place at a neutral venue, to be decided by Pakistan and approved by the ICC. The same rule applies to ICC tournaments hosted by India in 2025 and 2026, like the Women’s ODI World Cup and the Men’s T20 World Cup.
Cricket on a Neutral Ground
This isn’t the first time Pakistan’s cricket diplomacy has bowled over a tricky opponent. Last year’s Asia Cup also followed a hybrid format, with India’s matches and the final played in Sri Lanka.
And while the cricketing arch-rivals keep their bilateral series on ice (the last one was in 2008!), they’ll continue clashing in international tournaments. Fans will still get their adrenaline rush, even if it’s on “neutral turf.”
PCB Ready to Roll
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi isn’t letting the hybrid format dampen the mood. He’s all in for hosting the ICC Champions Trophy, promising top-notch stadiums and preparations “on track.” Naqvi emphasized keeping politics out of cricket and highlighted the country’s commitment to making the tournament a success.
What’s Next?
Pakistan has been awarded hosting rights for the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028, also under the hybrid model. Meanwhile, Cricket Australia will host an ICC women’s event between 2029 and 2031.
With both sides batting on neutral pitches, cricket fans worldwide are in for a unique, albeit unconventional, series of showdowns. After all, when it comes to India and Pakistan, every match is a final!
