ICC Champions Trophy 2025: ICC offers huge financial package to PCB to accept hybrid model

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is trying its best to persuade the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to host the Champions Trophy 2025 in a hybrid model in order to pave the way for India's participation in the tournament.

The ICC is trying various ways to convince the PCB, however, the latter remains adamant about hosting the whole tournament in Pakistan. While the proposed schedule for the Champions Trophy was revealed a few months ago, the final schedule is yet to be announced.

The final schedule was supposed to be announced by the ICC in an event in Lahore a few days ago but the event was cancelled in view of India's reluctance to play in Pakistan. With a few days remaining, the pressure is increasing on the ICC to provide some clarity regarding the venue.

Also read: Gautam Gambhir leaves Team India midway through Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

ICC promises PCB financial incentives to host Champions Trophy 2025 in the hybrid model

According to a report, the ICC is trying to persuade the PCB by giving them financial incentives if they allow the Champions Trophy to be hosted in a hybrid model. There will be an executive board meeting of the ICC on Tuesday (November 26) in which this issue is likely to be resolved.

“With the PCB not willing to budge on hosting the event under a hybrid model, they are now being offered additional financial incentives to end the deadlock," an insider was quoted as saying by PTI.

“Chances are (that) by tomorrow (Tuesday), a clear picture will emerge after a virtual discussion by board representatives on under which format the Champions Trophy would eventually be held early next year," he added.

However, the insider further claimed that the PCB is adamant about hosting the whole tournament in Pakistan and is not ready to move the Champions Trophy out of their country. The Pakistan Cricket Board is confident of hosting the full tournament since the other six participating countries have confirmed their participation.

“The PCB so far has resisted all such moves, insisting (that) if India is not willing to play in Pakistan it is their problem as all the (other) six other participating nations have no issues (with) playing in Pakistan," he said.

PCB adamant to host Champions Trophy in Pakistan

Another insider closer to the issue revealed that the PCB wants to host the match against India and the final in Lahore even if it allows the tournament to go in a hybrid model. However, the BCCI thinks otherwise and wants India's matches to be played in Dubai.

“The PCB is also insisting that even if it agrees to a hybrid model, the Pakistan and India group (stage) match and the final should be held in Lahore," another insider said.

“Obviously, the Indian cricket board is not agreeable to this and is insisting (that) India should play all its matches in Dubai, including the one against Pakistan, the semi-final and the final if they qualify for it," he added.

Huge problem for ICC

The ICC now faces a huge dilemma in hosting its marquee tournament, scheduled to be played in February-March next year. India have not traveled to Pakistan since 2008 citing security concerns inside the country and strained political relations with them.

The 2023 Asia Cup was also slated to be held in Pakistan. However, India refused to travel to their neighboring country and as a result, the tournament was hosted in a hybrid model. India played all of its matches in Sri Lanka, including the final.