Hybrid Champions Trophy 2025: ICC Confirms Format; PCB Retains Hosting Privileges

ICC Approves Hybrid Model for Champions Trophy 2025, PCB Retains Full Hosting Rights

Lahore, Pakistan - The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a hybrid model for the Men's Champions Trophy 2025, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) retaining full hosting rights despite India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the tournament.

The ICC's decision comes after a meeting in Lahore on Thursday, where India agreed to play its ICC games at a neutral venue until 2027. This agreement cleared the way for the PCB to host the Champions Trophy, which was originally scheduled to be held in Pakistan in 2023 but was postponed due to security concerns.

Hybrid Model

Under the hybrid model, the tournament will be played in two phases. The first phase, known as the group stage, will be held in Pakistan. The top two teams from each group will advance to the second phase, which will be played at a neutral venue.

The neutral venue for the second phase has not yet been finalized, but it is likely to be one of the ICC's member countries, such as the United Arab Emirates or Sri Lanka.

PCB's Reaction

The PCB welcomed the ICC's decision, saying it was a "vindication" of its efforts to host the tournament in Pakistan.

"We are delighted that the ICC has approved our hybrid model for the Champions Trophy," said PCB Chairman Najam Sethi. "This is a major victory for Pakistan cricket and a testament to our commitment to hosting major events in our country."

India's Stance

India has maintained that it will not travel to Pakistan for any ICC tournament until the political situation between the two countries improves. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed concerns about the safety and security of its players in Pakistan.

"We have always maintained that the safety and security of our players is paramount," said BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. "We will not compromise on that under any circumstances."

ICC's Involvement

The ICC has been actively involved in mediating between the PCB and BCCI to find a solution that would allow the Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan. ICC Chairman Greg Barclay expressed hope that the hybrid model would provide a "fair and balanced solution" for all parties involved.

"We believe that this hybrid model will provide the best possible outcome for the Champions Trophy," Barclay said. "It will allow Pakistan to host the majority of the tournament while also ensuring that India's concerns about safety and security are addressed."

Future Implications

The ICC's decision to approve the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025 has significant implications for the future of cricket in Pakistan. It represents a major step towards the country's return to hosting major international events.

However, the fact that India will not be traveling to Pakistan for the second phase of the tournament is a reminder that the political tensions between the two countries continue to cast a shadow over cricket. It remains to be seen whether the ICC's hybrid model will be a permanent solution to this issue or a temporary workaround.

Short Description

🏏 ICC approves the hybrid model for the Men's Champions Trophy 2025 🏆

Both India and Pakistan have agreed to play ICC games at a neutral venue until 2027 🤝

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#ICCHybridModelApproved #MensChampionsTrophy2025 #IndiaPakistanICCNeutrals