In the world of cricket, the ongoing debate around the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has sparked plenty of conversation. It’s all happening because the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided it won’t be sending the Indian team to Pakistan.
This leaves Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in a bit of a fix. Can Pakistan hold onto its hosting rights, or should they start exploring other options?
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Hosting in Pakistan: A Stance to Stand By
Naqvi is keen on hosting the tournament in Pakistan. But, as we’ve seen before, international cricket comes with its fair share of complications, especially between these two rivals.
For now, Naqvi is holding his ground and says there’s no formal agreement on the proposed “hybrid model,” where Pakistan would host the event but split some of the games between Pakistan and the UAE.
“No one has discussed any ‘Hybrid Model’ with us,” he remarked, clearly hinting that Pakistan won’t be quick to make concessions this time around.
What’s the Hybrid Model?
The hybrid model idea aims to bridge India’s security concerns with Pakistan’s hosting ambitions. The plan would allow Pakistan to host most of the matches, while India’s games—and maybe even the final—would be held in Dubai.
Just like, Asia Cup 2023, where Sri Lanka came in the mix as a joint host after India refused to tour Pakistan for the event. Pakistan was the main host but semi-finals and the final were played in Sri Lanka.
A New Host?
It’s a compromise to keep Pakistan as the main host while respecting India’s stance on safety. But, if this model isn’t approved, the ICC may consider moving the entire tournament to a neutral location, with South Africa in the running as an alternative.
However, the PCB isn’t thrilled about shifting games. After all, Pakistan’s been making plenty of efforts over the years to bring international cricket back to its soil. Naqvi is clear: Pakistan has shown goodwill many times, but there’s only so much flexibility they’re willing to offer.
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The BCCI officially notified the ICC about its decision, citing guidance from the Indian government, and the ICC then passed the news on to Pakistan’s officials. Now, the PCB has forwarded this message to the Pakistani government, waiting on advice for the next move.
To add to the uncertainty, an ICC event scheduled in Lahore, where the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule was to be unveiled, was unexpectedly canceled. While we’re still waiting on an official schedule, rumors are swirling around key matches in Lahore that may get moved if the hybrid model goes ahead.
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