Not only the upcoming Champions Trophy but all ICC competitions until 2027 will follow the hybrid model, according to reports from PTI. This decision implies that India will not play matches in Pakistan, and Pakistan will not play matches in India during ICC tournaments.
An ICC meeting was scheduled for Thursday but has been postponed to Saturday. However, an ICC official told PTI, “All board members have agreed to the hybrid model. As a result, the Champions Trophy will take place in Pakistan and the UAE. India will play all its matches in Dubai. This is the best solution for everyone.”
The Champions Trophy is set to take place in February and March next year. Earlier, Pakistan had threatened to withdraw from hosting the tournament if it could not take place in their country. However, they have now agreed to the hybrid model.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had also demanded that they be allowed to play their matches in neutral venues for ICC tournaments in India until 2031. While this has been approved only until 2027, Pakistan’s matches in India-hosted tournaments like the Women’s ODI World Cup and the Men’s T20 World Cup will be held at neutral venues.
For the Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, Pakistan’s matches might be shifted to Sri Lanka. In the Women’s ODI World Cup, Pakistan’s matches could be hosted in another neutral country.
Though the ICC is required to announce tournament schedules at least 90 days prior to the event, this has not been possible yet. The cricketing world awaits Saturday’s ICC meeting to see what decisions are finalized and whether the schedules will be announced.
