ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Hybrid Model Agreed; India, Pakistan To Play Matches At Neutral Venues Till 2027

A resolution was finally reached regarding the hosting and venue of next year's Champions Trophy India clashes, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Thursday (December 19, 2024) that India will play their matches of the 50-over event at a neutral venue instead of host country Pakistan, who will similarly play at neutral venues for tournaments to be held in India till 2027. (More Cricket News)

The decision will also apply to the 2028 Women's T20 World Cup, which will be held in Pakistan. Though no formal announcement has been made as yet, India's Champions Trophy matches are likely to be held in the United Arab Emirates.

"The ICC Board has approved that all matches between India and Pakistan played at ICC Events during the current rights cycle from 2024 to 2027 (which are to be hosted in India or Pakistan) will be played at a neutral venue proposed by the tournament host," an ICC statement read.

The resolution will also cover the 2025 Women's World Cup in India and the T20 World Cup in 2026, to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

India had said no to travel to Pakistan for the event scheduled in February-March due to security concerns. The Indians have not played in Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 150 people were killed. The two countries' last bilateral engagement was all the way back in 2012.

Travelling to Pakistan also requires the Indian government's clearance which has remained firm on the status quo.

"The schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be confirmed soon," the ICC added.

The announcement, which came after a series of back-channel talks, was on expected lines after the global cricket governing body maintained prolonged silence on the thorny matter during the previous set-up led by chairman Greg Barclay.

His successor Jay Shah took charge on December 1 and all stakeholders, including the Pakistan Cricket Board, the BCCI and the broadcasters, were running out of time to organise the 50-over event that was last played in the UK in 2017.

While BCCI's stance was always known, the matter got stretched because of PCB's refusal to allow a "one-sided" arrangement of neutral venues. Led by Pakistan interior minister Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB was determined not to lose face in front of the local public.

PCB, which had sent its team to India for the ODI World Cup last year, had categorically opposed the hybrid model but eventually agreed to it on reciprocal grounds.

The PCB had earlier indicated that it wanted a greater share in the annual revenue cycle to accommodate the Indian demand for a hybrid model but there is no word yet on whether that has been discussed or accepted.

The tournament will feature eight teams, divided into two groups. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals.

(With PTI inputs)