The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is pushing for a written guarantee from the ICC about the hybrid hosting model for the Champions Trophy 2025.
This move highlights PCB’s concerns about its hosting rights amidst political tensions.
What’s the Hybrid Model?
The hybrid model was first used during the 2023 Asia Cup. India played all its matches in Colombo, while the rest of the tournament was hosted in Pakistan. For the Champions Trophy, PCB has proposed that India’s games, including knockouts, be held in Dubai, with Pakistan hosting the rest.
Why PCB Wants Guarantees
PCB fears the hybrid model might only benefit India in the long run. With India set to host major ICC events, like the 2027 World Cup, PCB wants assurances that the same arrangement will apply to them. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has even discussed the issue with Pakistan’s Prime Minister.
Dubai: The Neutral Ground
Dubai is the preferred venue for India’s matches. Its top-notch facilities and neutral status make it ideal. Broadcasters and sponsors also favor Dubai to avoid any disruptions. The Emirates Cricket Board is ready to host, boosting Dubai’s reputation as a cricket hub.
India-Pakistan Rivalry
India and Pakistan rarely play outside ICC events due to political tensions. The rivalry is intense, but scheduling matches is a nightmare. India refuses to travel to Pakistan without government clearance, making the hybrid model a compromise.
Challenges for ICC
The ICC must balance member board interests and tournament integrity. Critics argue the hybrid model complicates logistics and undermines hosting rights. However, it may be the only way to ensure the Champions Trophy proceeds smoothly.
What’s Next?
The Champions Trophy is scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025. The hybrid model could ease current tensions but may set a tricky precedent for future tournaments. Fans are waiting for ICC’s decision, which could shape the future of cricket diplomacy.
The PCB’s demand shows how politics and cricket mix in complex ways. Will ICC back the hybrid model? Will fans get to see India and Pakistan battle it out on the big stage? The answers will decide the tournament’s fate.
Alex Carter is an experienced sports journalist with over a decade of covering international and domestic sports events. From the roar of football stadiums to the high-octane energy of F1 tracks, Alex delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive interviews with sports icons. His passion for sports extends to coaching local youth teams on weekends.
