ICC Announces Hybrid Model for Men’s Champions Trophy 2025

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially confirmed that the 2025 Men’s Champions Trophy will be hosted under a groundbreaking hybrid model, featuring matches between arch-rivals India and Pakistan at neutral venues. This decision comes as part of an agreement spanning ICC events from 2025 to 2027.

Key Highlights of the Announcement:

• Neutral Venue for India-Pakistan Matches:
  In light of political tensions, India and Pakistan’s matches will be hosted at neutral venues, ensuring a fair and competitive playing field. Dubai has been identified as the host for these much-anticipated encounters during the tournament.
• Major ICC Events Scheduled:
  • 2025 Men’s Champions Trophy: Hosted by Pakistan with neutral venue arrangements for India-Pakistan matches.
  • 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup: Hosted in India.
  • 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup: Jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
  • 2028 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: Hosted by Pakistan with similar neutral venue provisions.
• Proposed Triangular T20I Series:
  To address Pakistan’s inability to host India, discussions are underway for a triangular T20I series involving India, Pakistan, and another Asian or Associate nation at neutral venues.

Tournament Schedule and Format:

The 2025 Men’s Champions Trophy is set to begin on February 19, with Pakistan hosting 10 matches, including games in Lahore and Rawalpindi. However, India’s league matches, semifinals, and the final are planned for Dubai. If India fails to progress beyond the league stage, Pakistan will host the latter stages of the tournament.

Bridging Gaps Through Cricket:

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13 due to political strains, meeting only in ICC events and the Asia Cup. This hybrid hosting model, first utilized during the 2023 Asia Cup, offers a practical solution to these ongoing challenges.

Stay tuned as cricket fans worldwide gear up for another thrilling chapter in the India-Pakistan rivalry, set against the backdrop of international ICC events.