Kolkata : As per multiple reports, if Pakistan don’t agree on a Hybrid Model in ICC Champions Trophy 2025, ICC will look for an alternative venue which isn’t UAE or Sri Lanka.
The tournament was initially decided to be hosted fully by Pakistan. However, BCCI clearly stated and remained firm on their decision of not sending the Indian team to Pakistan for the tournament owing to differences between the nations, security concerns and lack of government approval.
In response, the ICC proposed a hybrid model where most matches would be held in Pakistan, but India’s games and the final match would take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This arrangement would allow Pakistan to retain full hosting rights, even if some games occur outside its borders.
The ICC has reportedly written to the PCB, requesting confirmation of their acceptance of the hybrid model. If Pakistan agrees, the tournament will proceed under this arrangement, ensuring India’s participation. However, the PCB has expressed a strong preference for hosting the entire event locally and might reject the hybrid plan.
According to reports in the Pakistan media, the PCB may take India to the Court of Arbitration for Sport or even refuse to play against India in ICC events if a solution isn’t reached. Pakistan may also lobby against India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics as part of this response.
Besides rejecting, reports also suggest that Pakistan might likely pull out of the tournaments if they’re not given full hosting rights.
Which Venue will be selected for Champions Trophy 2025 if Pakistan reject Hybrid Model?
As per reports, South Africa is being considered by ICC as the hosts of Champions Trophy 2025. Earlier in 2009 same happened where the tournament moved out of Pakistan and was shifted to South Africa. This year too, the same might happen if Pakistan reject the hybrid model. Allowing the tournament in South Africa with pacy tracks and good weather will allow for smooth flow of the tournament.
Pakistan were scrapped to be hosts in 2009 Champions Trophy and 2011 ICC World Cup following security concerns and terrorist uprisings.
Last year too in Asia Cup where the hosts were Pakistan, India refused to travel, as a result of which, ACC adopted a hybrid model where India’s matches were played in Sri Lanka. An official confirmation now awaits regarding this tournament’s fate.
