India's ODI World Cup 2011-winner Suresh Raina has openly backed the 'hybrid model' solution for Champions Trophy 2025. On December 14, Sports Tak was the first to report that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved the 'hybrid model' for Champions Trophy 2025, which involves hosting matches in both Pakistan and the UAE, particularly Dubai. ICC's big decision on Champions Trophy, which aimed to accommodate India's participation while prioritising player safety, has certainly been well-received. Meanwhile, former India's superstar all-rounder Raina, during an while speaking at the 'Champions' session of Agenda AajTak, took a sly dig at Pakistan while supporting hybrid model for the showpiece event as he believes that plan strikes a balance between ensuring the safety of the players and paving the path for a seamless tournament.
Suresh Raina supports hybrid model for Champions Trophy 2025
As per the hybrid model, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will host 10 matches of the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. However, due to India's unwillingness to tour Pakistan, a hybrid model has been implemented with both the parties PCB and BCCI agreeing to the decision. India's three league-stage matches will be held in Dubai, ensuring their participation in the tournament. The semifinal and final will also take place in Dubai, unless India is eliminated during the group stage. In such a scenario, the semifinal and final will be shifted to Lahore and Rawalpindi, respectively.
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Raina made is clear that players' safety is paramount and went on to support ICC's newly appointed chairman Jay Shah for the decision.
"I think players' safety is very important. Whatever decision Jay bhai (Jay Shah) has taken. It's important for safety. I think its good that the tournament will take place in a hybrid model. It's better off that way," Raina said.
The Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place from February 19 to March 9, featuring eight teams divided into two groups. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semifinals, followed by the final. This format and hybrid hosting approach resemble the Men's 50-over Asia Cup 2023, where Pakistan hosted the tournament, but India's matches, including the knockout stages, were held in Colombo.
A big decision regarding T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, has also been taken. Pakistan will not travel to India for their group-stage match against India. Instead, this high-profile clash will be hosted in Colombo, Sri Lanka. PCB will not receive any direct financial compensation for not hosting India's matches, they have secured hosting rights for an ICC Women's tournament after 2027.
