BCCI opposes PCB’s hybrid model for ICC events

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed reluctance to accept the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) proposed hybrid hosting model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This disagreement has sparked a broader debate on how ICC tournaments involving India and Pakistan will be hosted in the future.

The PCB has suggested that India’s matches in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 be hosted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) while other games, including Pakistan’s, take place in Pakistan. The proposal also includes a demand for reciprocal arrangements for ICC events scheduled in India over the next three years. Under this condition, Pakistan's matches in tournaments hosted by India would occur at neutral venues.

Additionally, the PCB has requested a larger share of ICC's annual revenue, citing the viewership and financial contribution of India-Pakistan matches. PCB officials, including Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, recently held discussions with ICC executives and participated in a video call with BCCI Secretary Jay Shah to address these proposals.

The BCCI has expressed reservations about the hybrid model, particularly the demand for future ICC events in India to adopt similar arrangements. A report from Cricket Pakistan indicates the BCCI’s stance that the Champions Trophy should adhere to a unified hosting model.

“If India does not agree to the proposed model, it cannot expect Pakistan to participate in ICC events hosted in India under normal circumstances,” a PCB source stated.

This conflict threatens the smooth planning of upcoming ICC events, including the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, and the 2031 Men’s ODI World Cup, all scheduled in India.

The ICC is mediating the disagreement but has yet to announce a resolution. While the hybrid model was discussed in a recent ICC board meeting, no consensus was reached. A final decision on the Champions Trophy hosting model is anticipated in the coming months.