New Delhi, The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has given its nod to a hybrid model for the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy, but a new twist in the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision is now raising concerns, particularly within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). While the hybrid model is intended to allow the 2025 Champions Trophy to be co-hosted by the UAE and Pakistan, with India playing its matches in Dubai, this model is set to extend across all ICC events through 2027, which may have lasting implications for India.
What is the Hybrid Model and Why Does It Matter?
Under the newly proposed hybrid model, ICC tournaments will be hosted across multiple countries. For the 2025 Champions Trophy, matches will be played in both the UAE and Pakistan, with India playing its games in Dubai. This arrangement, which was reportedly agreed upon after informal discussions between ICC President Jay Shah and board members, including Pakistan’s representatives, is seen as a compromise to ensure the tournament goes ahead despite political tensions.
Initially, Pakistan had threatened to boycott the Champions Trophy unless certain conditions were met. However, the PCB has now agreed to the hybrid model, with assurances for future events under similar arrangements. This has been hailed as a “win-win” for the tournament organizers, but the BCCI, which will be hosting multiple ICC events in the near future, may not share this view.
Implications for India’s Upcoming ICC Tournaments
From 2025 through 2027, India is set to host a series of major ICC events, including the Women’s ODI World Cup (October 2025) and the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted with Sri Lanka. These events, crucial to India’s cricketing calendar, will now be affected by the hybrid hosting model.
One of the most significant challenges arises from the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, where, under the new arrangement, Pakistan will not be required to travel to India to play their matches. Instead, they will play their games in Sri Lanka. This means that, should the schedule demand it, the Indian team might have to face Pakistan on neutral ground, an unprecedented situation for a "home" team during a global ICC event.
This raises concerns over the prestige and excitement of marquee encounters, with fans questioning whether it would diminish the significance of India's participation in an ICC event held in its own country. If this situation arises, India will be forced to deal with the perception that it is not fully in control of its own hosting rights.
A Long-Standing Political Issue: India’s Reluctance to Play in Pakistan
India has not toured Pakistan since the tragic 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, a horrific event that led to the loss of over 150 lives. Political tensions between the two nations have remained high, with security concerns often cited as a key reason for India’s reluctance to tour Pakistan. The BCCI has consistently emphasized that it cannot send teams to countries where the safety of players and staff cannot be guaranteed.
Given this backdrop, the ICC's decision to implement a hybrid model — where neutral venues could be chosen for matches involving India and Pakistan — adds complexity to the situation. The ICC has made it clear that no board will be expected to go against its government’s travel advisories, meaning that the hybrid model may be the only viable solution for these high-stakes fixtures.
The Hybrid Model’s Long-Term Impact
The agreement to extend the hybrid model until 2027 means that future ICC tournaments will be shaped by this new hosting structure. While the PCB has agreed to the arrangement, seeking reciprocity for future events, the BCCI is likely to press for further discussions. The possibility of India being denied the chance to play Pakistan on home soil could have far-reaching consequences for the future of international cricket.
For instance, the Indian women’s cricket team could also be affected by this arrangement. Should their fixtures in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup involve Pakistan, they too might have to play on neutral turf, adding a new layer of complexity to the scheduling.
What’s Next for the ICC and Member Nations?
As the hybrid model remains in place for the next several years, its full impact will become clearer in the months ahead. The BCCI, in particular, will have to navigate this new reality, balancing its responsibilities as a host nation with its concerns over political and security issues. It is also likely that further negotiations will take place regarding the compensation and demands of the PCB in return for agreeing to this model.
For now, the ICC has managed to prevent a boycott of the 2025 Champions Trophy, but the road ahead is fraught with challenges, especially in light of India’s growing role in the global cricketing landscape. Whether the hybrid model will prove to be a sustainable and equitable solution for all parties remains to be seen.
