ICC Champions Trophy 2025: PCB kicks aside hybrid model, proposes new 'Partnership or Fusion Formula'

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has softened its stance on the 'hybrid model' for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, set to be played next year. As per the latest reports, the PCB has informed the ICC that it is willing to accept the model but only if the same arrangement is allowed for future events.

Pakistan has not hosted an ICC event since 1996, when they last co-hosted the ODI World Cup. India didn't play a cricket match in Pakistan due to political tensions following the Mumbai terror attack. The last bilateral series between the two nations took place in 2012-13 when Pakistan toured India.

BCCI Declines to Travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025

The Champions Trophy has become a focal point of tensions between Pakistan and India. Pakistan had to adopt a hybrid model for the Asia Cup 2023, with matches involving India, a semifinal, and the final being played in Sri Lanka. However, Pakistan toured India for the World Cup 2023 after the Asia Cup.

The BCCI has declined to tour the neighboring country for the eight-team event, citing security concerns. Pakistan issued threats of boycotting the tournament. However, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi hinted during a media interaction in Dubai that the tournament is likely to be played under a hybrid model.

Partnership or Fusion Formula Has Emerged - Report

A sports journalist said that a "Partnership or Fusion Formula" could be implemented for the Champions Trophy. Saleem Khaliq shared that it allows Pakistan and India to play their ICC event matches in the UAE when hosted in each other’s countries.

"Partnership or Fusion Formula” has emerged: For the next 3 years, Pakistan and India will play their matches in the UAE during ICC events held in each other’s countries.The agreement could commence with the Champions Trophy if agreed by the all parties," Saleem Khaliq wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

“Partnership or Fusion Formula” has emerged: For the next 3 years, Pakistan and India will play their matches in the UAE during ICC events held in each other’s countries.The agreement could commence with the Champions Trophy if agreed by the all parties

— Saleem Khaliq (@saleemkhaliq) December 1, 2024

The PCB Has Not Demanded Any Extra Share From The ICC’s Revenue

Saleem Khaliq said that the PCB has proposed a solution to the ICC and India to resolve the deadlock over hosting matches. Khaliq added the PCB has declined offers of additional revenue and has not requested any extra share from the ICC's earnings.

"The PCB has informed ICC and India about the proposal, and a positive response could lead to the resolution of the deadlock.All offers of additional money have been rejected;”We seek respect,not money.”The PCB has not demanded any extra share from the ICC’s revenue," Saleem Khaliq wrote.

The PCB has informed ICC and India about the proposal, and a positive response could lead to the resolution of the deadlock.All offers of additional money have been rejected;”We seek respect,not money.”The PCB has not demanded any extra share from the ICC’s revenue.sources

— Saleem Khaliq (@saleemkhaliq) December 1, 2024

The Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, with matches scheduled in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. If the tournament goes ahead with a hybrid model, India is expected to play their matches in Dubai, UAE.

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