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During the ICC Board meeting on Friday, November 29, the International Cricket Council told the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that the only viable option for the Champions Trophy 2025 is now a hybrid model. The Mohsin Naqvi-led board came up with a final response to cricket's top governing body about their offer yesterday. PCB has agreed to a hybrid model for the mega-tournament but has also stated that the final of the showpiece event will happen in Lahore if India is out and that they will also play their matches in a neutral venue if India ever hosts an ICC tournament. Dubai will host all of India's matches including group stages and semi-finals, finals if the Men in Blue qualifies
This comes after the Indian government denied its team permission to visit Pakistan. Following the board meeting, PCB reiterated its stance that all matches must take place in Pakistan and stated that it would not accept the hybrid model. They were informed, nevertheless, that this arrangement would not work.
This ruling might lead to a settlement and provide Pakistan with partial hosting rights for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Twelve full ICC members, three associate members, and the ICC Chair participated in a quick virtual meeting on Friday, but no agreement was reached. Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the PCB, travelled from Dubai to attend the conference.
Major takeaways from development
- PCB has agreed to a hybrid model
- Dubai will host India's matches
- One of the semis and final to be held in Dubai if India qualifies
- Pakistan will host both the semis and final if India gets out prior to it
- There will be no sharing of the gate money with Emirates Cricket Board of the India matches
What if Pakistan had refused to hybrid model?
Had the PCB refused this proposal, the ICC Board would have voted against their stance. Had the PCB remained adamant, their hosting rights would have been snatched and awarded to a third country. This would have even led to Pakistan not getting to play in the much-awaited mega-tournament.
PCB seeks to benefit from the proposal
After lengthy talks with the ICC, the Pakistan Cricket Board is under pressure to deliver its final judgment on the suggested hybrid format. Pakistan is inclined to accept the hybrid arrangement but is requesting certain advantages to safeguard its interests. A backup plan to host the Champions Trophy 2025 Final in Lahore in the event that India does not qualify as one of their requests, as is a pledge that their own matches will be played outside of India at a neutral location using a hybrid model when India hosts future ICC tournaments. The PCB's answer might significantly impact the event's future and determine the outcome of the next ICC Board meeting.
Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the PCB, faces a major challenge which striking a balance between the logistical requirements of the event and political constraints. Nonetheless, it has been claimed that the ICC has highlighted the financial advantages of holding Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Dubai, including increased gate receipts. On December 1, a formal announcement about these decisions is anticipated.
