The International Cricket Council (ICC) is engaged in behind-the-scenes negotiations with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to push for a hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be hosted by Pakistan. This tournament marks Pakistan’s return as an ICC event host after nearly three decades, the last being the 1996 Cricket World Cup, co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka. However, tensions between the two neighboring nations have cast a shadow over the event’s organization.
Media reports indicate that the PCB remains steadfast in rejecting the hybrid model, making it increasingly unlikely for the tournament’s schedule to be finalized within the next 24 hours. The ICC’s proposed model aims to ensure India’s participation by having their matches held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) instead of Pakistan, a compromise necessitated by the strained political relations between the two countries.
The discussions underline the critical role of the hybrid model, emphasizing that an ICC tournament cannot proceed without India, one of the biggest revenue drivers in cricket. India’s participation is crucial not only for competitive reasons but also for financial and commercial considerations. The 2017 Champions Trophy finalists, India and Pakistan, draw massive global viewership whenever they face off, making their match a cornerstone of any major cricketing event.
Broadcasters and commercial partners have also voiced strong concerns, warning of significant financial repercussions and potential legal action if a Pakistan-India match is excluded from the schedule. The ICC has already secured $3.2 billion in broadcast rights for the 2024-2027 cycle, with the Champions Trophy expected to play a major role in maximizing these revenues. The tournament is projected to generate an additional $1 billion from other revenue streams, making the stakes higher than ever for ensuring a successful event.
This backdrop of logistical and political challenges has created uncertainty around the tournament, with the hybrid model emerging as the ICC’s best hope to navigate these complexities while preserving the financial and competitive integrity of the Champions Trophy.