Champions Trophy 2025 to Follow Hybrid Model; India Matches in Dubai, PCB To Receive 30% Extra Compensation - Report

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In a significant development ahead of the ICC Board meeting scheduled for Friday, November 29, reports have claimed that the Champions Trophy 2025 will be conducted on a hybrid model.

This decision comes amid a prolonged stand-off between India and Pakistan cricket boards after the former declined to travel to the neighbouring country citing security concerns.

India's Matches Shifted to Dubai?

Under the hybrid model, India will play all its matches in Dubai, including the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash. The semi-final lineup will also see a division: one semi-final in Lahore and the other in Dubai. The grand finale is set for Dubai, with Lahore as an alternate venue if India does not reach the final.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has maintained that it will not be sending Men in Blue to Pakistan because it hasn't received clearance from the External Affairs Ministry, creating a huge uproar in Pakistan.

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has been vocal about hosting the tournament completely at home but it seems the other members are also not in favour. The ongoing turmoil in Pakistan by the supporters of jailed former Prime Minster (and legendary captain) Imran Khan is also creating a lot of security concerns in the country.

The current civil unrest in the country will be one of the reasons why PCB might not be able to convince every board member of the safety and security of the visiting nations.

Financial Compensation for PCB

To facilitate this hybrid arrangement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to receive a 30% increase in hosting rights fees. This financial incentive aims to offset any logistical and operational challenges posed by the model. Sources indicate that the PCB has agreed to the hybrid structure but with a condition: ICC must adopt a similar approach for the next T20 World Cup (2026) in India.

While the hybrid model has been greenlit for the Champions Trophy, the proposal to extend it to the T20 World Cup in India remains under discussion. The ICC is expected to deliberate on this matter during the upcoming board meeting, though a decision is likely to be deferred.

CT 2025: Schedule Announcement Imminent

The Champions Trophy 2025 schedule is expected to be released by Saturday (November 30) night or Monday (December 2), providing fans with clarity on match dates and venues. The upcoming ICC board meeting, which would be the last before the new chairperson Jay Shah takes over the office on December 6, is likely to proceed on these lines.