Pakistan Rejects Hybrid Model for India Matches in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

With the cricket calendar packed with ICC events, the 2025 Champions Trophy is next in line. Pakistan, the designated host nation, is taking a firm stance on where India will play its matches, rejecting a “hybrid model” according to a report by IANS.

The Indian government’s decision on allowing the team to tour Pakistan remains unclear. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made it clear they don’t want a repeat of the Asia Cup 2023, where a hybrid model was used due to security concerns.

As per the PCB’s proposed schedule, the Champions Trophy will kick off on February 19th, 2025, culminating in the final on March 9th. All matches are slated to be played across three Pakistani cities: Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore, with Lahore being the proposed venue for India‘s matches.

Recent reports indicate that ICC officials visited Pakistan to assess preparations for the tournament and expressed satisfaction. The PCB’s stance contradicts the Asia Cup model, where India played its matches in a different country.

“We have rejected the hybrid model,” a PCB source was quoted as saying in the IANS report.

“However, we’ve offered a solution where India’s matches can be played solely in Lahore. This minimizes travel within Pakistan and simplifies security arrangements.”

The source further elaborated:

“India can be stationed in Lahore throughout the tournament. This reduces logistical and security concerns associated with traveling between cities.”

It will be interesting to see if India travels to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025.