ICC approves hybrid model for CT

PCB, BCCI reach agreement, official ICC announcement likely today

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy, with Pakistan and Dubai set to co-host the tournament. The decision comes after weeks of discussions and an eventual agreement between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

As per the reports emanating from the ICC headquarters in Dubai, the ICC will be making an official announcement on the hybrid model decision for the Champions Trophy 2025 on Saturday.

Under the new arrangement, matches will be split between Pakistan and Dubai, ensuring participation from all teams while addressing security and logistical concerns raised by some boards.

In another significant decision, the PCB and BCCI have also reached an understanding regarding the T20 World Cup 2026. Pakistan will not travel to India for their league-stage match against the arch-rivals. Instead, the high-profile clash will be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

While the PCB will not receive any financial compensation for the adjustments, they have secured the hosting rights for an ICC Women's tournament after 2027. This marks a significant step for Pakistan cricket as the country looks to host more international events in the future.

The agreement reflects a compromise that satisfies all stakeholders. The ICC, PCB, and BCCI appear content with the outcome, which addresses political sensitivities while keeping cricket at the forefront.

Indian journalist Vikrant Gupta, who has been closely following the developments, stated, "This has unfolded exactly as we had anticipated for over a month. The PCB, ICC, and BCCI will all walk away happy with this arrangement."

The tournament is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025. Pakistan, the defending champions, clinched the title in the previous edition held in 2017.

The PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) will host the Champions Trophy in 2025, with Pakistan scheduled to host 10 matches of the tournament. However, all three of India's league matches, including the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan, will be held in Dubai. Additionally, the semifinal and final of the tournament are also slated to take place in Dubai. If India is eliminated after the league stage, the semifinal and final will instead be held in Lahore and Rawalpindi in Pakistan.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have kept the two countries from playing bilateral series since 2012-13, with both teams only meeting in ICC events and the Asia Cup. India has not travelled to Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup due to strained political relations.

A similar hybrid model was used during the 2023 men's 50-over Asia Cup, where India played their matches, including the semi-finals and final, in Colombo, while Pakistan hosted the rest of the tournament.

NZ delegation visits Karachi Stadium for upcoming tri-series

A delegation from New Zealand Cricket (NZC) visited Karachi's National Stadium on Thursday to inspect preparations for the upcoming ODI tri-series, which will feature Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa in February 2025.

The NZC representatives, including New Zealand Players' Association member Brad Rodden and security consultant Reg Dickason, were greeted by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials, including Usman Wahla, Director of International Cricket, and General Manager Arshad Khan.

The delegation assessed the stadium's facilities and ongoing renovations in preparation for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place from February 19 to March 9. Before arriving in Karachi, the group also inspected Rawalpindi Stadium and Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium as part of their visit.

The ODI tri-series will serve as a warm-up for the Champions Trophy, allowing all three teams to fine-tune their skills ahead of the global tournament. Matches will take place in Multan from February 8 to 14, 2025.