Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has revealed that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will follow a hybrid model after a compromise between the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
If you’re wondering what a hybrid model means, here’s the lowdown: Pakistan will retain hosting rights, but India won’t play their matches on Pakistani soil. Instead, India’s games will take place in Dubai.
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Why the Hybrid Model?
This decision comes after the BCCI refused to send its team to Pakistan, citing the Indian government’s concerns over security. It’s a situation we’ve seen before—remember the Asia Cup 2023? That, too, followed a hybrid format, with matches split between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Latif explained, “The ICC and the boards have agreed. Pakistan won’t lose hosting rights, but India will play elsewhere. If India makes the semi-finals or final, those matches could also be moved out of Pakistan.”
What’s at Stake for Pakistan?
The Champions Trophy, set for February-March 2025, is an eight-team tournament. Hosting it is a big deal for Pakistan, especially since such events bring global attention and economic benefits.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed his desire to host the entire tournament in Pakistan, but the hybrid model seems like the more realistic option.
Latif weighed in, saying, “If I were in Naqvi’s place, I’d say the same. However, the ICC will reportedly pay Pakistan $64-65 million as a hosting fee. If Pakistan agrees to the hybrid model, they could earn even more. I don’t think PCB will say no.”
What Happens if PCB Says No?
Here’s where things get tricky. If Pakistan resists the hybrid arrangement, the ICC might vote to strip the country of its hosting rights. That would be a massive blow to Pakistan cricket.
There’s also the question of whether Pakistan would boycott the event or refuse to play against India. While such scenarios seem drastic, the financial stakes are too high for broadcasters to allow disruptions in an India-Pakistan clash. Let’s face it—this rivalry is cricket’s biggest money-spinner.
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Reports suggest the ICC is using financial incentives to ensure PCB’s agreement. But this raises a larger question: How much should boards compromise to meet financial and logistical demands?
For now, it seems Pakistan will host, but not entirely on its terms. As Latif noted, this hybrid approach mirrors the Asia Cup arrangement.
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