After the refusal of the Indian team to come to Pakistan in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025, echoes of the hybrid model are being heard. However, Pakistan is determined to host the entire event in its country. If not on the model, which country will be the host?
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi is trying his best to host the event in Pakistan, but the ICC and the Indian cricket board are pushing to adopt a hybrid model and shift the matches there.
According to reports, if Pakistan rejects the hybrid model, the hosting may be taken away while the tournament may be shifted to South Africa.
A major proposal made by the ICC to address India’s security concerns while retaining Pakistan’s hosting rights is to shift the Indian team’s matches to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Go while likely to host the final with Lahore.
However, Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi says that there has been no formal discussion on the option of a hybrid model and neither Pakistan is considering it nor should anyone expect it.
A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesperson stated that they had received an email from the ICC indicating that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had informed the ICC about India’s decision not to participate in the Champions Trophy if it is held in Pakistan. However, the email also suggested that India might be open to participating in the Asia Cup if it were organized on a hybrid model.
Meanwhile, following India’s refusal, the tournament’s future appears uncertain. Pakistan has shown strong resolve to host the event entirely within its borders, even if it means proceeding without India. There’s a possibility of including other teams, such as Sri Lanka, as part of the tournament lineup in Pakistan.
The announcement of the schedule of the champions trophy 2025 event is also delayed as the tournament is less than 100 days away while the renovation of the stadiums in Pakistan has also reached its final stage.
