ICC Approves Hybrid Model for Major Events Amid India-Pakistan Standoff
DUBAI:In a significant development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has endorsed the hybrid model proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and other ICC events scheduled between 2025 and 2027. This decision marks a breakthrough in resolving the impasse between cricketing rivals India and Pakistan.
The ICC announced in a statement on Thursday: “India and Pakistan matches hosted by either country during ICC events in the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be held at neutral venues.”
This hybrid arrangement will apply to major tournaments, including the men’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the women’s ODI World Cup in India in 2025, the men’s T20 World Cup in 2026 co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, and the women’s T20 World Cup in Pakistan in 2028. The schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025 will be finalized soon.
This resolution comes after prolonged uncertainty surrounding the Champions Trophy 2025, slated to take place in Pakistan during February-March. The standoff began when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressed security concerns and political tensions as reasons for refusing to send its team to Pakistan.
The PCB initially dismissed the hybrid model as impractical but eventually accepted it under the condition that Pakistan’s matches in India-hosted ICC events would also be played at neutral venues.
India and Pakistan have not hosted bilateral cricket series since 2008 due to strained diplomatic relations, limiting their encounters to ICC and multi-team tournaments. Notably, Pakistan visited India for the 2016 T20 World Cup and an ODI series in 2012. On the other hand, India has avoided visiting Pakistan since their 2008 tour.
Last year, Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup using a hybrid model, with India playing their matches in Sri Lanka.
Fans and Experts React to the Decision
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram called the ICC’s decision a balanced compromise but lamented the missed opportunity for Pakistani fans to watch Indian stars play live in their country.
“It’s disappointing that the tournament isn’t fully in Pakistan,” Akram told AFP. “Millions of fans would have loved to see players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah play here. But if this is the solution, then it’s the best possible one.”
Ex-pacer Mohammad Amir echoed similar sentiments, expressing his disappointment over India’s decision not to play in Pakistan. “I had hoped to personally host Kohli at my home in Lahore,” Amir shared with AFP. “Indian players would have been overwhelmed by the hospitality here.”
“No Politics in Sports,” Says PCB Chairman
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the importance of keeping politics separate from sports during the PCB’s 76th governing board meeting.
“Hosting the ICC Champions Trophy is a great honor for Pakistan. We are fully prepared to organize the event and welcome all participating teams,” said Naqvi. He highlighted the global appreciation for Pakistan’s principled stance and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to making cricket a unifying force.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to feature teams including Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, promising thrilling competition despite the challenges surrounding its organization.
