At the ICC Board meeting on Friday, November 29, the International Cricket Council (ICC) told the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that the only way to host the Champions Trophy 2025 is through a hybrid model.
The PCB head Mohsin Naqvi replied to the ICC yesterday. They agreed to the hybrid model but said that if India is not in the final, it will be held in Lahore. They also said they will play their matches at a neutral venue if India hosts any ICC tournaments in the future.
As per the plan, all of India’s matches, including group games, semi-finals, and the final (if they qualify), will take place in Dubai.
This happened after the Indian government said their team could not travel to Pakistan. In the meeting, the PCB insisted that all matches should be played in Pakistan and rejected the hybrid model. However, they were told that this was not an option.
This decision might result in an agreement allowing Pakistan to host part of the 2025 Champions Trophy. On Friday, 12 full ICC members, three associate members, and the ICC Chair had a short online meeting, but no decision was made. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi traveled from Dubai to join the meeting.
Key Decisions Of The Meeting
- The PCB has accepted the hybrid model.
- India’s matches will take place in Dubai.
- If India qualifies, one semi-final and the final will be hosted in Dubai.
- If India is eliminated earlier, Pakistan will host both semi-finals and the final.
- The Emirates Cricket Board will not receive any share of the gate revenue from India’s matches.
If the PCB had rejected this proposal, the ICC Board would have voted against them. If the PCB had stuck to their position, they would have lost the hosting rights, which would have been given to another country. This could have also resulted in Pakistan missing out on playing in the big ICC tournament.
