The International Cricket Council (ICC) is continuing its efforts to resolve the deadlock surrounding the Champions Trophy. This initiative comes in response to India’s refusal to play in Pakistan and Pakistan’s insistence on hosting the tournament on its home soil. Pakistan has reportedly agreed to a hybrid model under two specific conditions.
Under the new plan, India’s group-stage matches, semifinals, and final (if India qualifies) will be held in Dubai.
According to Pakistani media, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has put forth two conditions for hosting the Champions Trophy under the hybrid model:
- The ICC must increase Pakistan’s revenue share.
- All ICC tournaments hosted by India until 2031 must also follow the hybrid model.
As per reports, India will play its matches in the UAE, while most of the tournament will take place in Pakistan. The final is scheduled to be held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. However, if India qualifies for the final, it will be moved to the UAE instead of Lahore.
It is noteworthy that India is set to host four major ICC events between 2025 and 2031:
2025 Women’s ODI World Cup
2026 T20 World Cup
2029 Champions Trophy
2031 ODI World Cup
Pakistan has stated that it will not travel to India for any of these tournaments unless they are conducted under a hybrid model.