The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly reached a consensus on conducting next year’s Champions Trophy using a hybrid model. This arrangement will allow India to play its matches in Dubai while other matches occur across the designated host nations. This decision was largely finalized during an informal meeting held at the ICC headquarters in Dubai on Thursday, involving the new ICC President Jay Shah and the Board of Directors, including Pakistan.
According to a senior ICC official, all parties have agreed “in principle” to the hybrid hosting arrangement, which will also apply to ICC events until 2027. The ICC source shared, “It’s been agreed in principle by all parties that the 2025 Champions Trophy will be held in the UAE and Pakistan, with India playing its matches in Dubai. This arrangement offers a win-win situation for all stakeholders involved.”
Details of the Hybrid Model
The Champions Trophy is scheduled for February-March next year, and this hybrid arrangement is set to ensure smooth participation from all nations. Pakistan had initially threatened a boycott over India’s refusal to travel to their country but later agreed to the hybrid hosting model after the ICC’s assurances.
During a previous ICC meeting last week, Pakistan’s cricket board demanded a reciprocal arrangement for future tournaments through 2031. While the ICC has agreed to extend the hybrid model for its events only until 2027, the decision represents a significant compromise on both sides.
For the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup, for example, India will co-host the event with Sri Lanka. Under the hybrid agreement, Pakistan will play its matches in Sri Lanka instead of traveling to India. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also demanded compensation for adopting this hybrid model, although the ICC is still deliberating on that matter.
Implications for Women’s Cricket
This arrangement is not limited to men’s cricket. If India and Pakistan face off in the upcoming women’s ODI World Cup, scheduled for October this year, the Indian women’s team may need to play their league match against Pakistan at a neutral venue. This adds logistical complexities but ensures cricket continues without political disruptions.
A Strategic Yet Contentious Agreement
Jay Shah’s leadership in securing this agreement highlights the ICC’s efforts to maintain harmony among member nations while prioritizing cricket’s global interests. However, this arrangement has not come without challenges. The PCB’s head, Mohsin Naqvi, emphasized mutual respect and equity in their approach. After the last ICC meeting, he stated, “Cricket should win, that’s most important but with respect for all. We are going to do what’s best for cricket. Whichever formula we go for, it would be on equal terms.”
While the hybrid hosting model solves immediate logistical issues, it highlights long-standing tensions between India and Pakistan. India’s refusal to tour Pakistan stems from security concerns, particularly after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which resulted in over 150 fatalities. Bilateral cricket engagements between the two nations have been suspended since 2012. The ICC has reiterated that no member board should violate its government’s travel advisories, effectively supporting India’s position.
Challenges in Finalizing the Schedule
The hybrid hosting arrangement also impacts the operational modalities of the Champions Trophy. Broadcasters, including Star Sports, have been pressing the ICC for the tournament schedule, which was due 90 days in advance as per their contract. However, this deadline has already been missed, leading to delays in planning and promotion.
Representatives from Star Sports were in Dubai to finalize the hybrid model’s operational details and discuss the prospective schedule with ICC officials, including Jay Shah. However, this meeting was postponed to Saturday, leaving broadcasters and fans eagerly awaiting the final fixture release.
Financial Implications and Revenue Sharing
Another unresolved issue concerns the PCB’s demand for a greater share of the ICC’s annual revenue cycle to accommodate India’s hybrid model preference. While this demand has yet to be formally discussed, it reflects Pakistan’s concerns about ensuring financial fairness amid logistical compromises.
The ICC’s decision to adopt a hybrid hosting model through 2027 demonstrates its commitment to maintaining cricketing ties between member nations. However, it also underscores the high stakes and political sensitivities involved in organizing multi-nation tournaments.
A Path Forward for Cricket
The agreement between India, Pakistan, and the ICC represents a crucial step toward sustaining international cricket’s growth amid geopolitical challenges. By adopting the hybrid model, the ICC has managed to secure the participation of all member nations for upcoming tournaments, preserving the sport’s competitive spirit and ensuring global engagement.
Although the agreement places additional financial and logistical burdens on the stakeholders, it paves the way for greater flexibility in addressing political conflicts. With the Champions Trophy schedule expected soon, fans and broadcasters can look forward to a thrilling tournament that upholds the integrity of the game.