Champions Trophy 2025
Dubai December 23, 2024: In a long-awaited breakthrough, the impasse surrounding the Champions Trophy has been resolved. A hybrid model for India-Pakistan games has been finalized, bringing an end to a month-long dispute involving the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The parties have agreed that all India-Pakistan fixtures in the current cycle (2024-27) will be played in a neutral country.
What is the Hybrid Model?
The hybrid model refers to the agreement that all India-Pakistan games in the current ICC event cycle (2024-2027) will take place in neutral countries, rather than in India or Pakistan.
What the Hybrid Model Means for Future India-Pakistan
The agreement will apply to key upcoming ICC events, including:
- ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 (hosted in Pakistan)
- ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (hosted in India)
- ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (hosted in India and Sri Lanka)
For the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the much-anticipated India-Pakistan match will be played in Sri Lanka, not India, as per the new arrangement.
Uncertainty Around the Champions Trophy Location
Though the neutral venue for India-Pakistan matches is set, it is still unclear whether the venue for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 will be the UAE or Sri Lanka. The PCB, as the designated host, is reportedly leaning towards Sri Lanka, but the logistical convenience of the UAE may ultimately decide the venue. The final schedule and venue will be confirmed soon by the ICC.
Should the UAE be chosen, Dubai is likely to host the marquee India-Pakistan clash. According to reports, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) is awaiting final approval from both the ICC and PCB, with Dubai being the preferred location due to the size of its venues. In case the UAE hosts the event, up to 5 of the 15 Champions Trophy matches, including India’s league fixtures and two knockout games, are expected to be held there.
Future Global Events for Pakistan and India
The ICC has also allotted Pakistan a major global event in the upcoming cycle. The PCB has been awarded the hosting rights for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028, where the neutral venue arrangement will also apply. Additionally, Cricket Australia has been granted the hosting rights for one of the senior ICC women’s events scheduled between 2029 and 2031.
How the Champions Trophy Controversy Unfolded
The dispute over the Champions Trophy began when the BCCI announced that the Indian team would not travel to Pakistan for the event, initially slated between February 19 to March 9, 2025. This led to a standoff between the ICC, BCCI, and PCB, with negotiations dragging on for weeks. The controversy escalated as Jay Shah, in his capacity as ICC chairman, took charge of the issue, and the BCCI secretary became central in facilitating a resolution.
The hybrid model agreement marks a significant step forward in resolving the India-Pakistan cricket standoff. With neutral venues now confirmed for all major upcoming ICC events, including the Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup, fans can look forward to high-octane India-Pakistan encounters in more accessible locations. The final details of the venue and schedule will be eagerly awaited in the coming months.
Champion Trophy Schedule
The schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be confirmed soon, with Pakistan aiming to defend the title they won in 2017.
Champion Trophy Team
The eight-team event will feature Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, and South Africa, alongside hosts Pakistan.