The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to decide on the next year's mega tournament on Wednesday, amid the lingering standoff over Pakistan's hosting of the Champions Trophy 2025. After the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed ICC that the Indian team would not visit Pakistan in accordance with Government of India policy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which is in charge of hosting the Champions Trophy, reportedly requested a written guarantee from the international organization regarding the hybrid model for upcoming ICC tournaments.
As per a report from IANS, In the middle of the dispute, PCB has consented to accept the Champions Trophy hybrid model, in which India would play its matches in Dubai and Pakistan will host the other matches. Subject to qualifying, India will also participate in the semifinals and finals in Dubai.
"Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wants a written assurance from the World body (ICC) regarding a hybrid model for the future international events to be hosted by India. Decision on Champions Trophy most likely by Wednesday," sources told IANS.
The Emirates Cricket Board is closely monitoring the ICC's Champions Trophy decision in the meantime. According to sources, hosting India's matches in Dubai is all but guaranteed. Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the PCB, met with Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister of Pakistan, on Sunday before coming to a decision on the issue. Sharif has stated on several occasions that the PCB will confer with the government before approving any settlement.
The dates of the 2025 Champions Trophy are set for February 19–March 9. However, it has encountered difficulties since the BCCI stated that it lacked permission from the Indian government to travel to Pakistan to play its matches. Eight teams will compete in the competition, with four teams split into two groups. The semifinals, which will be followed by the championship match, will feature the top two teams from each group.
After India declined to visit, Pakistan hosted the Men's 50-over Asia Cup last year using a hybrid format. All of India's tournament matches, including the semifinal and championship games, were played in Colombo.
