Champions Trophy 2025: PCB set to agree to Hybrid Model but puts Three Conditions

Add as a preferred source on Google

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has put forward three key conditions for agreeing to a hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

This compromise comes after India's unwillingness to play in Pakistan due to political tensions, while preserving Pakistan's hosting rights for the high-profile tournament.\

On the deadline day of ICC, the PCB is ready to agree to the Hybrid Model of the Champions Trophy, which will see the India matches being played at a neutral venue. Amid India's unwavering stance of not travelling to Pakistan, the PCB had to compromise with their original thoughts of hosting the entire tournament on their own soil.

However, as per reports, PCB have come up with three conditions in order to accept the Hybrid Model. As per India Today, Pakistan cricket's apex body has put their demands forward to ICC, and an acceptance of those may resolve the longstanding conundrum.

1. India Matches in Dubai

Under the hybrid model, all matches involving the Indian cricket team-including group stage matches, semi-finals, and the final (if they qualify)-will be held at neutral venues in Dubai. This ensures India's participation while alleviating security and political concerns.

2. Semi-Finals, Final in Pakistan if India fail to Qualify

The PCB has also put forward that if India fails to progress beyond the group stage, Pakistan will host the remaining semi-final and final matches in Lahore. Originally, the tournament was scheduled entirely in Pakistan, but the current scenario means India's elimination from group stage shall only allow Pakistan to host the final of the Champions Trophy.

3. Neutral Venues for Pakistan in Future ICC Events

The PCB has requested a reciprocal arrangement for future ICC events. If India hosts any ICC tournaments, Pakistan's matches will be held at neutral venues rather than in India. It means the ACC and ICC tournaments held in India till 2031 shall see Pakistan playing at a neutral venue outside of India.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi was seen in Dubai during India U19's match against Pakistan in the U19 Asia Cup. It is believed that the entire PCB contingent held talks with UAE cricket chief Mubashir Usmani a day earlier for talks regarding the hybrid model and now they look likely to move forward with the hybrid model.