Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan and UAE to Co-Host Tournament but PCB stance leads to further postponement - Report

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The much-awaited resolution for the Champions Trophy 2025, featuring a two-nation hybrid model, is on the verge of being finalised. As per Cricbuzz, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has agreed to a compromise where the tournament will be co-hosted by Pakistan and the UAE.

However, as per the latest development, a meeting, that was supposed to take place at 5 PM IST on the matter in Dubai, has been postponed to December 7 as PCB is adamant on their terms, reported Sportstak. It is understood that PCB have no choice but to accept hybrid model.

Meanwhile, Cricbuzz report said that Champions Trophy 2025 will see five of the 15 league matches, including all three involving India, and two knockout games -- one semifinal and the final -- played in the UAE. The model is designed to meet the needs of both the PCB and the International Cricket Council (ICC), with the latter expected to approve the arrangement.

Despite resistance from the PCB, who had opposed the hybrid model, the majority of ICC board members are backing this solution. The PCB has also made several demands in exchange for agreeing to this formula, but many of these are unlikely to be accepted and that has led to further postponement in the meeting.

Here's a closer look at the developments surrounding the 2025 Champions Trophy while the following points are all set to be discussed:

Hybrid Model: Pakistan and the UAE will co-host the Champions Trophy 2025, with five matches, including all India-related games and two knockout rounds, played outside of Pakistan.

PCB's Conditions: While the PCB initially opposed the hybrid model, they are willing to agree under certain conditions, such as compensation for relocating five matches. They have also demanded a tri-series at a neutral venue with India and also a hybrid model for Pakistan matches whenever an ICC events take place in India. As stated earlier, their stance has led to further delay in the meeting to December 7.

India-Pakistan Match: The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan match is likely to be played as scheduled on March 1, 2025, with the Dubai International Stadium being the most probable venue.

ICC and BCCI's Stance: The ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are firmly opposed to the idea of a tri-series involving a neutral venue and are also rejecting the PCB's request to separate India and Pakistan into different groups.