The International Cricket Council (ICC) reached an agreement on Thursday to conduct the 2025 Champions Trophy using a hybrid model, with India scheduled to play all its matches in Dubai. Additionally, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has acquiesced to the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) request to implement the hybrid model for all ICC tournaments hosted in India until 2027.

As reported by the news agency PTI, this decision was finalized following an informal meeting held at the ICC headquarters in Dubai, where the newly appointed chairman, Jay Shah, engaged with board members, including representatives from Pakistan.

An ICC source informed PTI, "All parties have reached a preliminary agreement that the 2025 Champions Trophy will take place in the UAE and Pakistan, with India competing in Dubai. This arrangement benefits all stakeholders involved."

Last week, after extensive negotiations and the withdrawal of its boycott threat, the PCB, which had previously expressed concerns about losing its hosting rights, ultimately consented to the BCCI and ICC's proposal to adopt the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy. "The priority is for cricket to thrive, while ensuring respect for all parties. We will pursue the best interests of cricket. Whatever approach we adopt will be equitable," stated Mohsin Naqvi, head of the Pakistan Cricket Board, following the recent ICC meeting.

In exchange, the PCB requested that a similar framework be applied to all ICC tournaments held in India until 2031. However, the ICC has agreed to implement the hybrid model for its events through 2027.

During this timeframe, India is set to host two ICC tournaments. In 2026, India will co-host the T20 World Cup with Sri Lanka, meaning that Pakistan will play all its matches in the island nation. Furthermore, India will host the Women's World Cup in 2025, necessitating that the Pakistan cricket team travel to a neutral venue for all their matches.

"During the 2026 men's T20 World Cup, Pakistan will compete in Sri Lanka. The compensation requested by the PCB regarding the Champions Trophy hybrid model is still under review," the source added.

Champions Trophy schedule to be announced soon?

The turmoil associated with the hybrid model for the ICC tournament has resulted in a significant postponement of the announcement regarding the Champions Trophy schedule. According to the agreement between the ICC and the broadcasters, the schedule was supposed to be revealed at least 90 days prior, a deadline that has now been surpassed. Nevertheless, with obstacles being resolved, fans and broadcasters, including Star Sports, can anticipate the forthcoming release of the Champions Trophy schedule.

Representatives from the channel were present in Dubai to engage in discussions about the operational aspects of the 'Hybrid Model' and the potential schedule with Shah. However, this meeting has been rescheduled to Saturday, as reported by sources.

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