ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Hybrid model gets go ahead as Pakistan to play World Cup 2026 Group Matches in Colombo

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, allowing matches to be played in both Pakistan and Dubai, reported India Today.

This decision follows an agreement between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), addressing the logistical and geopolitical challenges between the two countries.

The Champions Trophy 2025 will see a total of 10 matches hosted in Pakistan, including the group-stage games. However, India's three league-stage matches, including the highly anticipated India-Pakistan encounter, will take place in Dubai. Additionally, the semifinals and the final of the tournament are scheduled to be held in Dubai.

The agreement comes amidst ongoing tensions regarding bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan. In a related development, both boards have agreed that Pakistan will not travel to India for the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Instead, the India-Pakistan match, along with other group-stage games involving Pakistan, will be played in Colombo, Sri Lanka, which is one of the co-hosts of the event.

Although Pakistan will not receive any financial compensation for this arrangement, they have secured the right to host an ICC Women's tournament after 2027, which has been viewed as a significant win for the PCB.

The decision to adopt the hybrid hosting model for the Champions Trophy 2025 is seen as a compromise that allows both Pakistan and India to participate in the event while addressing sensitive issues related to travel and political tensions. It is a reflection of the growing pragmatism within the cricketing world, where stakeholders are working towards finding solutions to ensure the smooth operation of marquee tournaments.

The 2025 Champions Trophy will run from February 19 to March 9, featuring eight teams divided into two groups. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semifinals, followed by the final. This format mirrors the one used during the 2023 Men's 50-over Asia Cup, where matches were divided across multiple venues in Pakistan and Colombo, ensuring both countries could participate while respecting their respective concerns.

For now, all parties -- the ICC, BCCI, and PCB -- seem satisfied with the outcome, paving the way for a more collaborative approach in international cricket.