The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy, with Pakistan and Dubai co-hosting the tournament. This decision follows weeks of discussions and a final agreement between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
According to the new model, matches will be held in both Pakistan and Dubai, allowing all teams to participate while addressing security and logistical concerns from some boards.
In addition to the Champions Trophy decision, the PCB and BCCI have also agreed on the venue for the T20 World Cup 2026. Pakistan will not travel to India for their league-stage match against India. Instead, the high-profile game will be played in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
While the PCB will not receive financial compensation for these changes, they have secured the rights to host an ICC Women’s tournament post-2027, a significant step for the country as it aims to host more international events in the future.
The agreement has been hailed as a compromise that satisfies all stakeholders. ICC, PCB, and BCCI are reportedly content with the outcome, which balances political sensitivities with the interests of the sport.
Indian journalist, who closely followed the negotiations, noted, "This has unfolded exactly as we had anticipated for over a month. The PCB, ICC, and BCCI will all walk away happy with this arrangement."
The 2025 Champions Trophy is set to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025. Pakistan, the defending champions, won the previous edition in 2017.
[embedpost slug="/imad-wasim-announces-retirement-from-international-cricket-again/"]
