The hosting of the Champions Trophy in February-March next year has hit another deadlock as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) strongly opposes the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) conditional agreement to a hybrid model, according to Leaders Asia sources.
After months of negotiations, the PCB agreed to a hybrid format allowing India to play its matches at a neutral venue due to security concerns about traveling to Pakistan. However, the PCB has demanded that, in return, Pakistan will not participate in future tournaments hosted by India.
The BCCI has firmly rejected this proposal, stating there are no security concerns in India, and thus, such an agreement is unacceptable. India is set to host several major cricket events in the coming years, including the Women’s ODI World Cup in 2025, the T20 World Cup in 2026 (jointly with Sri Lanka), the 2029 Champions Trophy, and the 2031 ODI World Cup.
A recent ICC board meeting ended abruptly as the PCB initially rejected the hybrid model but later conditionally agreed to it, fearing the ICC might relocate the Champions Trophy entirely. If the hybrid arrangement proceeds, India’s matches in the 2025 Champions Trophy, along with the semifinals and final (if India qualifies), could be held in Dubai.
Sources indicate that ICC stakeholders are working to resolve the standoff and will reconvene shortly to find a mutually acceptable solution.
