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ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to be played in a hybrid model with India playing their group matches in Dubai. One of the semifinals and final will take place in the Gulf too while designated hosts Pakistan will hosts the rest of the matches.

The decision, yet to be official, becomes the first instance when the Champions Trophy is being hosted by two nations while multiple 50-over and T20 World Cup matches have seen joint hosting. Will take a look at such instances below:

ICC Tournaments Played in Hybrid Model (Multiple Hosts)

1. 50-over World Cup

• 1987: India & Pakistan
• 1996: India, Pakistan & Sri Lanka
• 1999: England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland & Netherlands
• 2003: South Africa, Zimbabwe & Kenya
• 2011: India, Sri Lanka & Bangladesh
• 2015: Australia & New Zealand
• 2027 (upcoming): South Africa, Zimbabwe & Namibia
• 2031 (upcoming): India & Bangladesh

2. T20 World Cup

• 2021: UAE & Oman
• 2026 (upcoming): India & Sri Lanka

3. Champions Trophy

• 2025 (upcoming): Pakistan & UAE (Official confirmation awaited)

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The geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan continue to shape international cricket, as seen in the recent decisions regarding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is yet to get the official stamp but is the official stamp. The decision certainly will please the broadcasters, who will make big bucks with India vs Pakistan on the cards.

Building on this arrangement, the ICC has also addressed Pakistan's participation in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Due to the ongoing political impasse, Pakistan will play all its group-stage matches, including the India-Pakistan showdown, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This ensures Pakistan's involvement without requiring them to travel to India.

While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will not receive direct compensation for agreeing to these adjustments, they have secured hosting rights for an ICC Women's tournament after 2027, marking a key diplomatic win. This collaborative solution reflects the ICC's commitment to maintaining the integrity of its tournaments while navigating the challenges posed by geopolitical realities.

The Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, will feature eight teams in a familiar format, with group stages leading to semifinals and a final. This hybrid hosting strategy mirrors the Asia Cup 2023, where Pakistan and Colombo shared hosting duties, ensuring both nations' participation.