Champions Trophy 2025: PCB Surrender to BCCI's Demand, Accept 'Hybrid Model' For India Matches

The Champions Trophy 2025 saga is heating up as the schedule for the marquee tournament is expected to be announced soon. With Pakistan shelling out billions to renovate their stadiums, the preparations are in full swing from PCB's side. A new update has surfaced over the tournament, which suggests that the Pakistan Cricket Board have reportedly agreed to make amends for India's participation in the ICC tournament. 

Also Read: PCB May Make Jason Gillespie All-format Coach If Team Performs Well In Australia White-ball Tour

Champions Trophy 2025 May Undergo Hybrid Model As Pakistan Cricket Board Ready To Make Amends - Reports

In a shocking turn of events, the Pakistan Cricket Board has reportedly agreed to host the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 under the hybrid model approach, as reported by PTI. The matches involving India may take place in the UAE. It could mean that the tournament may be held in the 'Hybrid Model' as the Indian government is unlikely to allow its team to travel to Pakistan in the existing socio-political environment and security concerns for national team.

“The PCB feels that even if Indian government does not clear the tour to Pakistan slight adjustments can be made to the schedule, as in all probability India would play its matches in Dubai or Sharjah,” a reliable source in the PCB told PTI.

The last tournament that Pakistan hosted was the Asia Cup in 2023, conducted in a 'Hybrid Model' with India playing their matches in Sri Lanka as the government refused to permit the players' travel across the border.

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025 Fixtures To Be Released Probably On Nov. 11; Here Is The Tentative Schedule

Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to release the schedule for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 as soon as November 11th, 2024. An ICC delegation is expected to visit Pakistan in order to inspect the logistics and arrangements for the upcoming tournament. A major event is also slated to happen, which will feature notable entities, including cricketers.

“The PCB has discussed with the ICC the tentative schedule which they sent some months back and wants the same schedule announced on 11 November. It has told the ICC that since a back-up plan is already in place with a revised budget there is no sense in delaying releasing a tentative schedule of matches,” said the source.

The tournament is set to begin on February 19, 2025, with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi. The final is scheduled for March 9 at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. According to the preliminary schedule, all of India's matches will be held in Lahore for security and logistical reasons. However, if Team India does not travel, India's fixtures will most likely be held in Dubai or Sharjah. 

[With PTI Inputs]