Hybrid model confirmed for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and other ICC events hosted by India and Pakistan until 2027

Pakistan are the defending champions at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

After going back and forth in multiple meetings, the ICC has confirmed that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be played in a hybrid model, spread across Pakistan and a neutral venue.

What is also interesting is that the ICC also announced that the hybrid model will be used for further ICC events which are to be hosted by either India or Pakistan until 2027.

The announcement of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 schedule was delayed after the BCCI told the ICC that the Indian government has not permitted the Indian cricket team to travel to Pakistan for next year’s showpiece event.

PCB posed a strong stance against the hybrid model initially but seems to have accepted it after the ICC agreed to their demand for the same formula being used for the ICC events that India will be hosting in the coming years. India are set to host two more ICC events in this cycle.

The ICC said in their statement, “India and Pakistan matches hosted by either country at ICC Events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at a neutral venue, the ICC Board confirmed on Thursday, 19 December.

“This will apply to the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 (hosted by Pakistan), set to be played in February and March 2025, as well as the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (hosted by India) and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (hosted by India and Sri Lanka).”

Dubai likely to host India vs Pakistan match at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

While the ICC hasn’t confirmed the neutral venue for India’s matches yet, Cricbuzz has reported that the ICC is keen to host it in the UAE. Dubai is likely to host the India vs Pakistan match.

The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) is believed to be waiting for the final clearance from the ICC.

Sri Lanka is another venue in contention but the UAE is expected to get the nod from the ICC.

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