PCB accepts hybrid model for Champions Trophy: Indian media

PCB proposed that it will not travel to India for any ICC events until 2031

Pakistan has reportedly agreed to the hybrid model for the upcoming Champions Trophy while setting conditions for its participation in future International Cricket Council (ICC) events, according to Indian media sources.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed that it will not send its team to India for any ICC events until 2031. The PCB is demanding that the hybrid model be implemented for tournaments hosted in India, including the 2026 T20 World Cup, the 2029 Champions Trophy, and the 2031 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Under the hybrid model, Pakistan has insisted that its matches against India be played in a neutral venue, with Dubai being suggested for the 2029 Champions Trophy. This proposal is part of an ongoing discussion between the ICC and the cricket boards of India and Pakistan, particularly regarding the hosting arrangements for upcoming events.

The PCB has also requested a larger share of the ICC's annual revenue as part of its demands, citing financial and logistical concerns surrounding the potential for matches being played outside India.

Sources indicate that with joint hosting rights for the 2026 T20 World Cup and the 2031 World Cup involving Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Pakistan’s matches could potentially be played in these countries, rather than in India.

Discussions between the ICC and the cricket boards of India and Pakistan are still underway regarding the hosting arrangements for the 2029 Champions Trophy, with ongoing deliberations concerning next year’s Women’s World Cup.

It is pertinent to mention that there are still no official statements either from PCB, BCCI or ICC regarding the fate of the tournament and the development could only be confirmed once there is an official verdict.

A day after a virtual ICC board meeting concluded without finalising the venue for the Champions Trophy in 2025, there is still no decision taken in the ICC meeting held today.

Earlier, ahead of the ICC meeting on Friday, while reiterating its stance to not share the hosting rights with any other country, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had formally informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) of its decision to reject the hybrid hosting model for the Champions Trophy 2025.

"We remain firm in our position: Pakistan will not agree to a hosting arrangement where another country becomes involved. It is unacceptable for the Pakistani team to travel to India to play matches while the Indian team refuses to come to Pakistan," the PCB is reported to have told the ICC.

But the chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi did not categorically rule out a hybrid model for the hosting of the tournament but ruled out any one-sided arrangement.

While talking to media in Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, he said that If we adopt any other formula except hosting the tournament in Pakistan, it will be done on the basis of equality. The most important thing for Pakistan is its respect; everything else is secondary.

"A one-sided arrangement is no longer acceptable. It cannot be the case that we continue to go to India, but they do not visit Pakistan. Whatever happens must be on the basis of equality", espncricinfo reported.

The Champions Trophy is set to be held in February-March 2025, but India's refusal to send its team to Pakistan has created uncertainty over the tournament's structure.