ICC Champions Trophy 2025: PCB FORCED by top ICC officials to accept hybrid model

The Champions Trophy 2025 is in jeopardy after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to send the team to the neighboring country. Cricket officials are engaged in behind-the-scenes discussions to convince the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to consider a hybrid model for the tournament.

The Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be hosted by Pakistan, but the BCCI's stance has created challenges for the PCB and the International Cricket Council (ICC). It’s worth mentioning that the BCCI has confirmed that India will not play matches in Pakistan and is pushing for a hybrid model for the marquee event.

Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule to Be Released Soon in Hybrid Model

Top cricket administrators feel that India's participation is important in the upcoming ICC 50-over tournament, considering the revenue and global following, according to India Today. Pakistan has been informed of the financial impact if they withdraw from the event.

The report added that the PCB has been asked to work toward a hybrid model for the tournament. It is worth noting that the official schedule should be released soon, as discussions regarding the tournament schedule are ongoing.

“We are still in discussions with the host and participating members on the Champions Trophy schedule. It should be out soon, likely in a couple of days or so,” a source familiar with the developments said.

India Last Toured Pakistan For Cricket Match in 2008

India has not toured Pakistan for a cricket match since the 2008 Asia Cup, and the two teams have not faced off in a bilateral series since 2012-13. They continue to play against each other in ICC and Asia Cup events, but India has made it clear that they will not tour Pakistan, even for multi-nation tournaments.

The Pakistan Cricket Board hosted the 2023 Asia Cup in a hybrid model due to India's reluctance to travel to the neighboring country. All of Team India's matches, including the final, were played in Sri Lanka. However, Pakistan has visited India for ICC events, with the most recent being the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Pakistan's Respect Is First And Foremost - Mohsin Naqvi

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has stated that Pakistan's respect is foremost in response to whether the country would withdraw from the Champions Trophy if the ICC proposes a hybrid model. He also confirmed that Pakistan is seeking clarification from the BCCI regarding their decision not to send the team.

“Pakistan's respect is first and foremost. Rest, you will see what happens. Our stance is very clear; we have made it clear in the past,” Naqvi said.

"Every other team that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to come. No one has any concern," he added.

The 2025 Champions Trophy is scheduled for February and March, with the top eight teams. It is expected that a hybrid model will be used for the tournament, with India likely to play their matches in the UAE.

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