The deadlock over the hosting arrangements for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has finally been resolved. After extensive negotiations between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), ICC has approved a hybrid model.
Initially, as the designated host, Pakistan was set to organize the entire tournament. However, BCCI refused to send India to Pakistan due to security concerns, advocating for a hybrid hosting model.
This proposal was initially rejected by Pakistan, which even threatened to withdraw from the tournament. After further discussions, Pakistan has now finally agreed to the hybrid model with specific conditions, which ICC has now accepted.
Under the agreed arrangement, Pakistan will host a portion of the matches, while India's games will take place at neutral venues, including the semi-final and final. Pakistan will not tour India for any ICC events over the next three years, including the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Matches involving Pakistan in such tournaments will also be played at neutral venues, with the India-Pakistan group stage matches for the T20 World Cup 2026 set to be held in Colombo. However, the venue for a potential final involving Pakistan remains undecided.
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With the hybrid model now finalized, the focus shifts to the tournament schedule. The ICC must carefully plan to minimize logistical challenges for the remaining eight participating teams, ensuring seamless travel and scheduling.
Champions Trophy 2025 is slated to be held from February 19 to March 9, 2025, and the official schedule is expected to be announced soon.