ICC Announces Hybrid Model for 2025 Champions Trophy, India to Play in Dubai
Dubai, 6th December 2024: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has finalized plans for the 2025 Champions Trophy, adopting a hybrid model in which India will play all its matches in Dubai. Additionally, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has agreed to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request to implement the hybrid model for all ICC tournaments held in India until 2027.
The decision was reached following a meeting between ICC chairman Jay Shah and board members, including representatives from Pakistan, in Dubai on Thursday. An ICC source confirmed, “It has been agreed by all parties that the 2025 Champions Trophy will be held in both the UAE and Pakistan, with India playing its matches in Dubai. This is a win-win for everyone involved.”
After months of negotiations and the PCB retracting its boycott threat, the Pakistani board finally consented to the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy. PCB head Mohsin Naqvi emphasized, “Cricket should be the priority, and we are focused on what’s best for the sport. We will ensure that everything is done on equal terms.”
In exchange, PCB requested that the hybrid model be adopted for all ICC events held in India until 2031. However, the ICC has agreed to apply the hybrid format only until 2027.
Under this arrangement, India will host two ICC tournaments. In 2026, India will co-host the T20 World Cup with Sri Lanka, meaning Pakistan will play its matches in Sri Lanka. Additionally, Pakistan’s team will compete in the 2025 Women’s World Cup, with all its matches held in neutral countries.
The hybrid model for the Champions Trophy has led to delays in announcing the schedule, which was originally due to be released 90 days before the event under the contract with broadcasters. With the matter now settled, the Champions Trophy schedule is expected to be released soon, much to the anticipation of fans and broadcasters, including Star Sports.
Representatives from the channel were in Dubai to discuss the operational details of the hybrid model and the event schedule with Shah. However, that meeting has been postponed until Saturday, according to sources.
