CT 2025 Set To Be Played In The Hybrid Model

The Saga regarding the fate of the Champions Trophy 2025 has officially come to an end after a month full of tensions, and contemplations among the International Cricket Council (ICC), The Board of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) & the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have now finally come to an agreement that the upcoming India- Pakistan in this current cycle (2024-27) clashes in this cycle will be played in a hybrid model.

ICC Statement on Hybrid Model

"This process will apply in the upcoming ICC events such as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in (Pakistan), the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup (India) & 2026 Men's T20I World Cup (India & Sri Lanka)".

The ICC stated in a statement on Thursday. The statement from the International Cricket Council (ICC) has also made it clear that the 2026 T20 World Cup clash between India & Pakistan will now be played in Sri Lanka.

Who's Going to Host Indo-Pak Clash?

Things are still uncertain as to who is going to host the tournament alongside Pakistan. PCB, who are the hosts of the tournament are reportedly favoring Sri Lanka. Based on logistical convenience UAE might get the nod ahead of Sri Lanka.

If the decision is in favor of UAE, Dubai will host the India-Pakistan game. The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) is believed to be waiting for the clearance from PCB & ICC. The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has stated that they have two more grounds in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. But the big-ticket clash between India & Pakistan will be played in Dubai considering the big size of the venue. The UAE is expected to host 10 of 15 games in CT 2025 including three league games of team India & 2 knockout games.

Meanwhile, the ICC has allotted a new global event for the next cycle to Pakistan.

ICC Awards 2028 Women's T20WC To Pakistan

"In addition, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been awarded hosting rights of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in 2028, where neutral venue arrangements will also apply. Cricket Australia has also been awarded hosting rights for one of the senior ICC women's events during the period 2029 to 2031," the ICC said.

The Champions Trophy 2025 ran into a corner of uncertainty after the BCCI announced its decision not to travel to Pakistan for the 15-match event that is tentatively scheduled to run from February 19th to March 9th. The issue became a tripartite standoff that involved the ICC, BCCI & the PCB. With Jay Shah, taking up the role of the ICC Chairman during this period, it was the responsibility of the new BCCI Secretary to resolve the crisis.