Pakistan Rejects India’s Hybrid Model for Champions Trophy 2025 – Report

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dismissed recent media reports suggesting it has agreed to host the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy under a hybrid model, which would allow India to play matches at a neutral venue.

According to PCB sources, there has been no discussion about a hybrid arrangement, and Pakistan remains firm on its plan to host the tournament entirely within its borders across three cities—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.

A PCB official clarified to India Today on Friday, November 8, that the board has not entertained any such model.

“The hybrid model is not under consideration. Our stand is unchanged, and as of now, we haven’t made any decisions regarding the Champions Trophy other than hosting it in Pakistan,” the source stated.

ICC Prepares to Finalize Champions Trophy Schedule Amid Speculation

The clarification comes as the International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to announce the Champions Trophy schedule on November 11. Reports suggest that the schedule might be revealed without confirming the venues for the eight-team tournament, as an ICC delegation is set to visit Pakistan next week to assess the preparations for the event.

Pakistan has allocated nearly 17 billion rupees for the refurbishment of stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi to ensure the venues meet international standards for the tournament, set to begin on February 19, 2025. According to the tentative schedule, Pakistan will open the tournament against New Zealand in Karachi, with the high-profile clash between India and Pakistan expected to take place in Lahore on March 1. The final is slated for March 9 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

India’s Participation in Pakistan Remains Uncertain

While PCB is preparing to host the Champions Trophy within Pakistan, India’s participation on Pakistani soil remains uncertain. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to confirm its stance on sending the men’s team to Pakistan, as the final decision is expected to hinge on the Indian government’s guidance. Earlier reports from India Today indicated that India is unlikely to travel to Pakistan, with an official decision pending.

Pakistan previously employed a hybrid model for the 2023 Asia Cup, where India’s matches were played in Sri Lanka. Although bilateral cricket ties between India and Pakistan have been suspended since the 2012-13 season, the two teams continue to meet in ICC and Asian Cricket Council tournaments.

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