ICC Champions Trophy 2025 controversy finally comes to an end? Check details

Recent developments surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 reveal a significant shift in stance by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Initially, the tournament was scheduled to be hosted entirely in Pakistan. However, the PCB has now expressed its willingness to accept the much-discussed hybrid model for the event. Despite this concession, a notable twist has emerged in the ongoing negotiations. According to the latest reports, Mohsin Naqvi, the chairperson of the PCB, has made it clear that their acceptance of the hybrid model comes with a critical condition. Naqvi has proposed that all future ICC events hosted in India should have Pakistan’s matches played at neutral venues, rather than within Indian territory.

PCB accepts hybrid model for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a slight twist

This demand stems from the longstanding political tensions between the neighboring nations, which have often spilled over into the cricketing world. By tying their agreement to the hybrid model with this stipulation, the PCB seeks to ensure reciprocal accommodations for their team during ICC events hosted in India. The Champions Trophy, slated for February-March 2025, has already been embroiled in controversy over venue allocations, and this new demand adds another layer of complexity. With the ICC yet to respond to the PCB's proposal, the cricketing world awaits further clarity on whether a resolution can be reached to accommodate all stakeholders while ensuring the smooth organization of the tournament.

"The current situation is that PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has said that it will only accept hosting the Champions Trophy on a hybrid model if the board agrees that in the future, all ICC events will be on the same system with Pakistan not going to India to play matches," stated a closely associated source as quoted by Hindustan Times.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has softened its stance regarding the hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, though not without conditions. The PCB’s latest demand focuses on future ICC events in India, insisting that Pakistan’s matches during those tournaments be held at neutral venues outside of India. This condition applies to three major men’s events scheduled in India between now and 2031.

The T20 World Cup in 2026, which India will co-host with Sri Lanka, the 2029 ICC Champions Trophy, and the 2031 ODI World Cup to be co-hosted with Bangladesh are the tournaments for which India holds hosting rights. The PCB’s demand ensures that any hybrid hosting model agreed upon for the 2025 Champions Trophy would set a precedent for reciprocal arrangements in these events.

This latest development reflects a notable shift in the PCB’s approach. Earlier, there were reports suggesting that Pakistan might withdraw from the Champions Trophy altogether if the eight-team tournament was not hosted entirely in Pakistan. However, with the PCB now showing flexibility by agreeing to the hybrid model, albeit conditionally, the chances of a compromise appear stronger. The ICC is expected to review these developments and attempt to balance the interests of all participating nations.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India previously informed the International Cricket Council of its decision against allowing the Indian team to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. This decision stems from the ongoing tensions between the two nations. Despite a crucial ICC board meeting aimed at resolving the situation, no consensus was reached on the tournament's hosting arrangements, leaving its fate uncertain. For now, the Champions Trophy 2025 remains scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9. The tournament carries significant historical importance for Pakistan, as it marks the nation’s first opportunity to host an ICC event since it co-hosted the 1996 Cricket World Cup with India and Sri Lanka.

The ongoing stalemate has brought the hybrid model into the spotlight, where matches involving India could potentially be played at neutral venues outside Pakistan. However, this proposal has sparked debate, with the Pakistan Cricket Board raising its own demands for neutrality in future ICC events hosted by India. As discussions continue, the Champions Trophy’s scheduling and venue allocation remain critical topics for resolution. Both boards will need to find common ground to ensure the tournament proceeds smoothly while addressing the complex geopolitical challenges.

"Look, no broadcaster will give a penny to an ICC event which does not have India and even Pakistan knows that. The ICC meeting on Saturday will only happen if Mr Mohsin Naqvi agrees with the 'Hybrid Model'," an ICC Board source was quoted by PTI.

"If not, then ICC Board might have to shift the tournament entirely to a different country (could be UAE too) but it will be held without Pakistan," the source added.