2025 Champions Trophy Goes Hybrid: Here's Why It's a Game-Changer!

The International Cricket Council has confirmed a hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy. This has been resolved after long-standing issues between the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) and the Pakistan Cricket Board, so a fair chance was given to both teams to participate in this prestigious tournament despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions in between.

India Matches in Dubai

India will play all its matches in Dubai, while the tournament will be played across both Pakistan and the UAE. The decision allows the tournament to go forward concerning the political realities surrounding the teams' participation. BCCI has also agreed to extend this hybrid model arrangement for all ICC events held in India till 2027.

After several meetings, held and led by ICC Chairman Jay Shah during his meeting with the board members in Dubai, the consensus became final. "This is a win-win for all," an ICC source explained, saying that this approach ensures that the game of cricket remains global and political barriers are conquered.

Neutral Venues for Pakistan's Matches

As part of the agreement, Pakistan will also play at neutral venues for the future ICC events to be held in India. For example, in the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup, which India and Sri Lanka will co-host, Pakistan will play its matches in Sri Lanka. The Women's World Cup 2025 will also have Pakistan's games played at a neutral venue.

The PCB had been demanding a mutual arrangement for all ICC events up until 2031 but has settled with the ICC on just the hybrid model for up until 2027. The hybrid model does not, however, have been agreed on how much PCB gets compensated for using that model.

The delayed schedule of the 2025 Champions Trophy is likely to be announced soon with the hybrid model in place. The broadcasting partner, Star Sports, has been working alongside the ICC to finalize all the operational details of the tournament.