ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan instructed to accept Hybrid Model

Former Indian cricketer and 1983 World Cup winner Madan Lal has urged Pakistan to accept the hybrid model for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With an official announcement yet to come, Madan Lal said that Pakistan could benefit from hosting the Champions Trophy next year.

The future of the event is uncertain as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refuses to send its team to Pakistan due to security concerns. Pakistan, on the other hand, has held its stance of hosting the entire event. The ICC is yet to make a final call on the tournament schedule and venues.

Notably, the ICC and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly agreed to adopt a hybrid hosting model for global events in Pakistan or India until 2027. This decision comes after weeks of discussions about the Champions Trophy's future. The PCB wants to play their matches against India at a neutral venue.

BCCI Has Cleared Its Stance on ICC Champions Trophy 2025- Madan Lal

Speaking to ANI, Madan Lal said that Pakistan should agree to the hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy, adding that it would be in their best interest. He said that the BCCI has made its stance clear, and now Pakistan has to decide whether it should be played in a hybrid model or not.

"BCCI has cleared its stance. Now, Pakistan has to decide whether it should be played in a hybrid model or not. I feel that they should play because cricket should continue. Pakistan will benefit from it because there are a lot of things involved so Pakistan has to take the decision," Madan Lal told ANI.

Pakistan Hosted 2023 Asia Cup in Hybrid Model with Sri Lanka

Pakistan had to host the 2023 Asia Cup in a hybrid model after pressure from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Sri Lanka co-hosted the tournament, including the final clash. They tried to avoid a similar situation for the CT 2025 but may have to compromise again due to India's importance in world cricket.

India has refused to travel to Pakistan for ICC events, despite various proposals from the PCB. The ICC might miss out on significant broadcasting revenue from matches involving India. Pakistan has threatened not to play against India in future ICC tournaments, but this could backfire on Pakistan as well.

Pakistan Beat India in the 2017 Champions Trophy Final

Pakistan is set to host the Champions Trophy from February 19 to March 9. The edition of the tournament was played in 2017 in England.

Pakistan defeated India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final at The Oval in London. The Men in Green scored a massive total of 338/4, with Fakhar Zaman hammering 114 runs. India was dismissed for 158 in 30.3 overs and lost by 180 runs. Mohammad Amir and Hasan Ali each took three wickets for Pakistan.

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