Champions Trophy 2025: ICC Confirms Hybrid Model, India to Play at Neutral Venues

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced that the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will follow a hybrid hosting model. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) declined to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan. They cited security concerns. This decision leads to a hybrid hosting model. The tournament will feature India’s matches being played at neutral venues while Pakistan retains hosting rights for other fixtures.

Key Details of the Hybrid Model:

1. Neutral Venue for India Matches:
   India’s matches during the tournament will be played outside Pakistan at a neutral venue. The UAE is a strong contender due to logistical convenience, though Sri Lanka has also been considered.
2. Broader ICC Agreement:
   The hybrid model will also be applied to other ICC events during the 2024-2027 cycle. This covers the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, which is hosted by India. It also includes the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
3. Additional Hosting Rights:
   • PCB has secured hosting rights for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028. This tournament will also follow the hybrid model.
   • Cricket Australia will host a senior ICC women’s event between 2029 and 2031.

Historical Context:
India has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Similar arrangements were implemented during the 2023 Asia Cup. Indian matches were hosted in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model.

Tournament Highlights:

• The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will feature eight teams. These teams include India, Pakistan, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
• The competition is scheduled for February-March 2025, with the official schedule to be announced soon.
• The last Champions Trophy was held in 2017, with Pakistan defeating India to claim their maiden title.

Conclusion:
The hybrid hosting model reflects a significant compromise to ensure the Champions Trophy 2025 proceeds smoothly. While logistical challenges remain, the model aims to balance security concerns with cricket diplomacy.