In a significant development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has agreed to Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) proposed hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025. This marks a rare consensus between the cricket boards of two rival nations, paving the way for the much-anticipated tournament.
Hybrid Model Approved by ICC
According to reports from India Today, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved the hybrid model for the tournament. As per this arrangement, the matches will be held in two locations: Pakistan and Dubai. This compromise comes after prolonged negotiations and disagreements regarding hosting rights.
Additionally, it has been confirmed that during the T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan will play its league-stage matches against India in Colombo, Sri Lanka, instead of Indian soil. While PCB will not receive financial compensation for losing the opportunity to host India's matches, ICC has offered Pakistan the hosting rights for an ICC Women's tournament post-2027 as part of the deal.
Champions Trophy 2025: A Historic Return for Pakistan
This tournament marks Pakistan’s return as a host for a major ICC event after decades. The last significant ICC tournament hosted by Pakistan was the 1996 World Cup. Matches for the Champions Trophy 2025 will be played in three major cities: Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, from February 19 to March 9, 2025.
The competition will feature eight teams divided into two groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals, followed by the grand finale.
Key Developments Leading to the Agreement
PCB's Stance on the Hybrid Model
Earlier, PCB had firmly maintained its stance on the hybrid model, refusing to host India's matches at neutral venues. This persistence became a point of contention, as BCCI initially resisted agreeing to the proposal. However, the recent agreement signals a breakthrough in resolving the long-standing conflict.
T20 World Cup 2026: Sri Lanka Steps In
As part of the agreement, the 2026 T20 World Cup matches between Pakistan and India will not be played in India but rather in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This decision ensures a neutral ground for the arch-rivals while maintaining the spirit of the competition.
No Bilateral Series Since 2013
It’s worth noting that India has not played any bilateral series in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, nor has Pakistan toured India since their limited-over series in 2012-13. This continued political and diplomatic tension has resulted in both nations playing against each other only in ICC events or Asia Cups.
Past Controversies: Asia Cup 2023 as a Precursor
This is not the first time PCB has stood firm on a hybrid model. Last year, during the Asia Cup 2023, India refused to travel to Pakistan, prompting PCB to move India's matches to Sri Lanka. The final, held in Colombo, saw India clinch the title with a dominant performance against Sri Lanka.
Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan Enters as Defending Champions
As the defending champions, Pakistan will enter the Champions Trophy 2025 with high hopes. The last edition of the tournament in 2017 saw Pakistan secure a memorable victory under the leadership of Sarfaraz Ahmed, defeating India in the final.
A Positive Step for Cricket
This agreement between BCCI and PCB is a positive step forward for international cricket. Both boards, along with ICC, have expressed satisfaction over the resolution. Fans across the globe are eagerly anticipating the tournament, hoping to witness thrilling encounters and iconic moments.
As cricket's global community gears up for the Champions Trophy 2025, this landmark agreement highlights the sport’s ability to bridge divides and foster collaboration, even amidst political tensions. The tournament promises to be a spectacle, celebrating the spirit of cricket and showcasing the talent of players from around the world..
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