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While the final decision on the location for marquee matches between Pakistan and India in the ICC Champions Trophy remains pending, reports indicate that the hybrid model suggested by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been agreed upon “in principle.” This decision comes after a postponed ICC board meeting, originally scheduled for Wednesday, was rescheduled for December 7.
On Thursday, a meeting reportedly took place between the newly appointed Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Jay Shah, and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. According to media reports, this meeting resulted in an agreement on the new version of the hybrid formula, a fusion model suggested by the PCB, which will be in effect until 2027 for all ICC events hosted in both Pakistan and India.
The hybrid model is set to apply to major upcoming tournaments, including the 2025 Champions Trophy, the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup in India, and the 2026 T20I World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Although the location of matches is still undecided, Dubai is considered a likely venue for the 2025 Champions Trophy, with the 2026 T20 World Cup matches between Pakistan and India potentially taking place in Sri Lanka.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had previously opposed the hybrid model, but with legal challenges from ICC broadcasters and India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan, few alternatives remained. The other options considered—such as replacing India with another team or stripping Pakistan of its hosting rights—were unpopular with broadcasters and would negate the significant investments Pakistan has made in upgrading its stadiums, including those in Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore.
