The issue surrounding the Champions Trophy 2025 has been resolved. As per a PTI report, the ICC has accepted the hybrid model for the marquee event, allowing India to play its share of matches in Dubai while agreeing "in principle" to a similar arrangement in multi-lateral events till 2027.
A top ICC source revealed the decision was more or less finalised during an informal meeting between the body's new President Jay Shah and the Board of Directors, including Pakistan, at its headquarters in Dubai on Thursday (December 6).
"It's been agreed in principle by all parties that the 2025 Champions Trophy will be held in the UAE and Pakistan with India playing its matches in Dubai. It's a win-win situation for all stakeholders," the ICC source told PTI.
PCB withdrew its boycott threat and agreed to go hybrid, with demand of a reciprocal arrangement for itself till 2031. However, the ICC has agreed to a hybrid model for all its events till 2027.
During this period, India are scheduled to host the women's ODI World Cup next year and the 2026 men's T20 World Cup jointly with Sri Lanka.
Considering the hosting arrangement, Pakistan would not have been forced to travel to India if they had insisted against it in 2026 even if a hybrid model was not in place.
"During the 2026 men's T20 World Cup, Pakistan will play its matches in Sri Lanka. The compensation demanded by PCB for the Champions Trophy hybrid model is still under consideration," the source said.
As a result of this arrangement, the Indian women's team will have to travel to a neutral venue to play their league match against Pakistan, should that be necessitated by the schedule which is yet to be released.
With the latest development, one thing is certain the Champions Trophy schedule will come out sooner than later.
As per the contract between the ICC and the broadcaster Star Sports, the apex body was expected to give it the schedule of the tournament at least 90 days in advance but that deadline has already been breached.
The channel's representatives were in Dubai to discuss the operational modalities of the 'Hybrid Model' and prospective schedule with Jay Shah, but the meeting was postponed to Saturday, PTI reported.
The cricketing ties between India and Pakistan have been fraught with political and security issues since the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.
While the arch-rivals last played a limited-overs series in 2012, their last meeting in Tests was way back in 2007. In this period, they've only clashed in multi-nation tournaments such as the World Cup and the Asia Cup.
Pakistan hosted the Asia Cup last year but India played all of their matches in Sri Lanka under the hybrid model.
As per the tentative schedule, the India versus Pakistan match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will take place on March 1. The high-octane clash is expected to be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
(With PTI Inputs)
