Hybrid Champions Trophy after political unrest in Pakistan?

There remains the issue of hosting arrangements for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as the PCB opposes a hybrid model that has been proposed to facilitate Indian participation, following India’s government decision to ban their team from travelling into Pakistan on the grounds of security issues.

In its recent reports, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is contemplating the provision for the PCB to avail more financial gains to make the PCB host the tournament in its ready Hybrid Model.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had requested the ICC to shift India’s matches to the UAE, and it has also proposed that Dubai be a venue for the final, in case India reaches there. However, the PCB has rejected the proposal, saying all other teams taking part are ready to play in Pakistan and that the tournament format should not be changed for one side.

PCB announced Tuesday that the final two ODI matches between Pakistan Shaheens and Sri Lanka A have been postponed following consultations with the Sri Lanka Cricket Board.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi did not address the reasons for the delay directly but has assured the Champions Trophy will proceed as planned in Pakistan. A PCB spokesperson confirmed that preparations, including construction at stadiums in Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, are progressing according to schedule.

According to reports, the PCB has received additional financial incentives to resolve the deadlock. An ICC source indicated, "The situation will become more apparent after Tuesday's virtual meeting of board representatives, during which the tournament's format is expected to be finalized.

The PCB has suggested that pivotal matches, such as the India-Pakistan group-stage encounter and the final, be hosted in Lahore under a hybrid champions trophy. However, this proposal has met significant resistance from the BCCI, which maintains that India's matches, including the final if they qualify, should occur in Dubai.