ICC Champions Trophy 2025: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) proposal to avoid playing matches in India during the tournament which will be hosted by India. The PCB had previously agreed to a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025 and in turn, proposed that Pakistan would not play any matches in India during which also includes the marquee T20 World Cup 2026. Notably, PCB had asked for hybrid model for global tournament which will be held in India.
BCCI rejects PCB's hybrid model plan for T20 World Cup 2026
Sports Tak has learnt that, BCCI has made it clear that they will not accept such a compromise, citing the absence of any security concerns in India. They have firmly rejected the idea of a hybrid format for future major tournaments in India.
PCB has proposed a long-term, equitable agreement with the BCCI and the International Cricket Council (ICC). This proposal, discussed during recent meetings in Dubai, aims to ensure reciprocal arrangements for Pakistan to play outside of India during future global events hosted in India.
The agreement's duration is still under discussion, with options ranging from the next three years to the end of the current rights cycle in 2031. India is scheduled to host several major events in the coming years as during this period, India is scheduled to host several major ICC events, including the T20 World Cup 2026, Women's ODI World Cup, the 2029 Champions Trophy, and the 2031 World Cup. Moreover, the 2025 Asia Cup, while not under ICC jurisdiction, is also scheduled to be held in India.
This disagreement over the hybrid model has broader implications for future ICC tournaments.
The ICC had initially planned to resolve the issue through negotiations, with a potential emergency board meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 4 to discuss the hybrid model. However, the timing of the meeting remains uncertain, as an earlier meeting was adjourned after the PCB refused to accept the proposed changes.
The PCB had previously agreed to the hybrid model after the ICC threatened to relocate the tournament. However, it's worth noting that no financial compensation is expected for the PCB due to these changes.
Meanwhile, the ICC is facing a big challenge as the Champions Trophy is just 77 days away and the governing body has yet to release the tournament schedule, which is typically announced 100 days prior to the event.
