PCB slams door on BCCI's hybrid model proposal for Champions Trophy 2025: Report

In a bold move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sent a stern warning to India that they will not tolerate any attempts by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to interfere with the hosting rights of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.

The PCB is determined to host the entire prestigious tournament on Pakistani soil, dismissing any notions of a hybrid model or relocation, as there were speculations in Indian media that the BCCI is seeking neutral venues like the Asia Cup 2023 for their Champions Trophy 2025 matches.

Pakistan vows to host ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on home soil

However, PCB has made it very clear that they are not in the mood to adopt any hybrid model for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, as they are already making significant investments in upgrading and renovating the cricket stadiums in Pakistan to ensure that they are equipped to host the event.

Well, the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 is not just seen as the tournament but as a symbol of Pakistan's return to the global event, so they will not make any compromises for the BCCI this time. Amidst the preparations, there are speculations that the BCCI is demanding alternative arrangements for Team India from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Reacting to the rumors, the PCB has made it clear that such suggestions will not be entertained, as they are firm that next year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held entirely in Pakistan, and India will have to come to play in the tournament, as no external pressure will change their stance.

The relationship between India and Pakistan is already strained, and now the PCB's message sounds like a warning, so things can get worse. The PCB source revealed that they have decided to give a strong response to the BCCI if they try to create any hurdles for the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.

PCB rejects hybrid model for Champions Trophy 2025, sends stern warning to BCCI

According to Geo News Urdu, the PCB sources said: “We are spending millions of rupees to upgrade and renovate our cricket stadiums. We will never let the Champions Trophy play outside Pakistan! We don't care about any hybrid model! The Champions Trophy 2025 will be played in Pakistan!”

🚨 PCB has decided to give a STRONG RESPONSE incase BCCI tried to bring any hurdles for Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. #CT25

— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) July 14, 2024

🚨 "We are spending million of rupees to upgrade and renovate our cricket stadiums. We will NEVER EVER let Champions Trophy play outside Pakistan!", PCB Sources. #CT25

— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) July 14, 2024

🚨 "We don't care about any HYBRID MODEL! Champions Trophy 2025 will be played in Pakistan!", PCB sources on rumours by indian media. #CT25

— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) July 14, 2024

Meanwhile, the Indian government will not allow the Men in Blue to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy in 2025. India's non-participation will financially affect the tournament, and due to this, the ICC might force the PCB to adopt a hybrid like the Asia Cup 2023.

However, it remains to be seen whether BCCI accepts PCB’s invitation or whether Pakistan will have to host India’s matches in the Champions Trophy 2025 in another country like the UAE or Sri Lanka.

The media reports also claimed that the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board is eagerly waiting for the green signal from the ICC regarding the matter of hosting India’s matches for the upcoming mega event.