'Unique' hybrid model likely for CT

In a major breakthrough on Champions Trophy 2025, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have reportedly agreed to adopt a 'hybrid model' for the global tournaments hosted in Pakistan and India until 2027.

According to a report by Cricinfo, the 'hybrid model' will allow Pakistan and India to play their games at ICC tournaments hosted by the other country at a neutral venue. The agreement was reportedly reached after meetings between ICC chief Jay Shah and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi in Dubai.

ICC has three global events scheduled in Pakistan and India between 2024 and 2027: the Champions Trophy in Pakistan (February 2025), the women's ODI World Cup in India (2025), and the men's T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka (2026).

Sources revealed that a Board meeting to discuss the Champions Trophy is scheduled for December 7.

The development came after PCB proposed a new 'Partnership or Fusion Formula' to end the stalemate around the Champions Trophy 2025.

According to sources, the PCB forwarded its formula to the International Cricket Council (ICC), according to which Pakistan and India will play all of their game at a neutral venue for the next three years.

As per the 'Partnership' or 'Fusion Formula', India will not travel to Pakistan and vice versa for their games in the ICC tournaments scheduled for the next three years.

Sources said that the ICC will take a decision on the matter and could announce it in the board meeting on Saturday (today).

Meanwhile, the Indian media has also reported that the arrangements for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy have been finalized, with the event set to be held under a unique "hybrid model" of hosting.

The reports claimed that for the next three years, Pakistan and India will not play against each other on home soil. This arrangement is said to be part of a broader understanding between the two cricket boards, with the hybrid model being proposed as a way to bypass the ongoing political tensions between the two nations.

As per the details from the Indian media, Pakistan will serve as the official host for the Champions Trophy, but India will play its matches in Dubai, avoiding the need to travel to Pakistan.

This would be the first major ICC event held under such a model, aiming to ensure the smooth running of the tournament while adhering to political sensitivities.

It is also important to note that the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, a fact that has added further complexity to the scheduling and venue considerations for upcoming ICC events.

Sources reveal that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has strongly insisted on including all agreed-upon terms in the official hosting agreement.

The PCB is demanding that the finalized arrangements, particularly regarding venue allocations and travel restrictions, be officially documented in the host agreement to avoid any future confusion or disputes.

The uncertainty surrounding the Champions Trophy arose after India initially refused to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, leading to concerns about the event's viability. In response, the PCB adopted a firm stance, presenting a formula to resolve the issue and ensure the tournament proceeded smoothly.

While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to officially confirm its acceptance of the formula, Indian media reports suggest that the BCCI will relent to the proposed hybrid model for the Champions Trophy.

If these reports are confirmed, the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy could mark a significant turning point in how international cricket events are hosted in politically sensitive regions. The hybrid model could set a precedent for future tournaments, allowing countries to co-host or share venues in cases of diplomatic tensions.