India and Pakistan agree to hybrid model for ICC events, Champions Trophy 2025 details revealed
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a hybrid model for matches involving India and Pakistan in ICC tournaments between 2024 and 2027, resolving a long-standing hosting impasse. Under this agreement, matches between the two nations during ICC events will take place at neutral venues chosen by the tournament host.
Key highlights of the agreement:
- Neutral venues: India’s matches during the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, to be hosted by Pakistan, will be played at a neutral venue. Similarly, Pakistan’s matches in ICC events hosted by India will also occur at neutral venues.
- Future events: The hybrid arrangement applies to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (in India), the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (in India and Sri Lanka), and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028 (in Pakistan).
- Venue proposals: The host country’s cricket board will propose neutral venues, subject to ICC approval.
Champions Trophy 2025:
Set to begin on February 19, the Champions Trophy’s venue details remain undecided as the schedule is yet to be finalized. The arrangement ensures that India and Pakistan’s matches in this eight-team tournament will occur smoothly without geopolitical tensions disrupting the event.
The ICC has also hinted at exploring a triangular or quadrangular T20I series involving India and Pakistan to further foster cricketing ties, possibly including other Asian nations.
This hybrid hosting model is seen as a significant step to ensure the smooth conduct of ICC tournaments while addressing the ongoing geopolitical challenges between the two cricketing giants.