The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have reportedly reached a mutual agreement on key details for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
In a major development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has agreed to the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025, as they don’t want to lose the hosting rights. Under the new plan, Dubai will host all of India’s group-stage matches as well as the semi-final and final only if they qualify.
However, if India doesn’t make it to the final stages, both the semifinals and the final will be held in Pakistan. In another notable decision, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) will not receive any share of the gate money for India’s matches in Dubai.
As per reports, the following details have been mutually accepted by PCB, ICC, and BCCI for ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
•PCB to accept the Hybrid Model.
•Dubai to Host India’s Matches.
•First Semifinal and Final to be kept in Dubai (If India Qualifies).
•If India doesn’t qualify, both the Semifinals and Final will take place in Pakistan.
•No sharing of Gate Money with Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) for India’s matches in Dubai.
PCB seeks protection in final response to ICC over hybrid model
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board is under pressure to submit its final decision on the proposed hybrid model after intense discussions with the ICC. Sources claimed that Pakistan is leaning towards agreeing to the hybrid format, but they are demanding some benefits to protect their interests.
Among their demands are – a backup plan to host the Champions Trophy 2025 Final in Lahore if India fails to qualify and a promise that when India hosts future ICC tournaments, their own games will be held outside India, at a neutral venue under a hybrid model. The next ICC Board meeting depends on the PCB’s response, which could drastically decide the event’s future.
The PCB is now in discussions with the government to find a way forward, but it is confirmed that they agreed to the hybrid model with Dubai hosting India’s group-stage matches and possibly the semifinals and final of the Champions Trophy 2025, should India qualify.
The main challenge in front of the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, is balancing political pressures with the tournament’s logistical needs. However, the ICC has reportedly emphasized the financial benefits of hosting CT 2025 matches in Dubai, including higher gate revenues. An official announcement regarding these decisions is expected to be made on December 1.