Pakistan Cricket Board gives smashing reply to BCCI; rejects hybrid model for Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is gearing up for its next challenge i.e. Champions Trophy 2025. The ICC tournament is all to take place in Pakistan in February next year and there have been a lot of challenges that the Board is facing ahead of the 50-over tournament.

One of the biggest challenges that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) are facing is the participation of the Indian team in the tournament. This is a high chance that Men in Blue won't travel to Pakistan because the two don't nations don't share good relations and hence security might be the biggest concern.

The ICC officials recently visited Pakistan to see the arrangements for the Champions Trophy 2025 and there were reports that the BCCI put forward the idea of a hybrid model, which took place during Asia Cup 2023. As per the model, India's games will be played outside Pakistan while the rest will be played in Pakistan.

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However, as per the latest reports in IANS, it is learned that the Pakistan Cricket Board has categorically rejected the idea of a hybrid model. They want the entire tournament to be played in Pakistan and also put forward the proposed dates for the Champions Trophy 2025.

As per the reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board wants Champions Trophy 2025 to be played from 19th February to March 9th. They also want the entire tournament to be played across three major venues in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. The governing body also has stated that they will stage the India games in Lahore.

This is because PCB might find it hard to stage India games in other venues. It will also make Men in Blue more convenient and less challenging to participate in matches, as the special arrangement would allow them to play in a single city. This will also avoid their travel and logistical requirements throughout the tournament.

A source close to PCB confirmed the development related to the hybrid model and also explained why they will be staging India's games in Lahore. Speaking to the IANS, he stated:

“We have not opted for the hybrid model. However, we have given this leverage that India’s matches can be played in Lahore only. This way, the team will not be required to move around cities within Pakistan and its security can be well maintained in Lahore."

“India can be based in Lahore for the entire tournament. This would minimize logistical and security complications associated with their travel between cities. The proximity of Lahore to Wagah Border Crossing is also going to be more suitable for Indian fans. However, the question remains, if India would accept and participate in the event”,

Karachi to host 3 games, Lahore to stage 7, and Rawalpindi to host 5 games in Champions Trophy 2025

The reports also claimed that PCB will stage three games in Karachi including the semi-final and the tournament opener. Lahore on the other hand is likely to get 7 matches. The final of the tournament is also expected to take place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Rawalpindi on the other hand will be host to not more than 5 games. One of the semi-finals will be taking place at the venue too. If the Indian team agrees to play in the tournament, then it will be the first time that they will be traveling to Pakistan since 2008.