The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have reportedly agreed to implement a hybrid model for hosting global tournaments between India and Pakistan until 2027. This arrangement would allow matches involving either country in ICC tournaments hosted by the other to be held at neutral venues.
While the PCB, the official host of the 2025 Champions Trophy, has not publicly confirmed the agreement, sources cited by ANI indicated that discussions are ongoing.
The hybrid model’s applicability to both men’s and women’s tournaments remains uncertain.
The current ICC cycle (2024-27) includes three major events in the region: the Champions Trophy in Pakistan (February 2025), the women’s ODI World Cup in India (later in 2025), and the men’s T20 World Cup (2026), co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The agreement reportedly followed meetings in Dubai between ICC Chair Jay Shah and PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi. Further negotiations are expected during the ICC Board meeting on December 7.
The PCB’s acceptance of the hybrid model hinges on conditions, including its application to all ICC events hosted by India and Pakistan until at least 2027. The PCB is also seeking compensation for potential revenue losses if India’s matches, including knockout games, are held at neutral venues such as the UAE or Sri Lanka. To offset financial losses, the PCB has proposed a tri-nation series featuring India, Pakistan, and another nation.
The Champions Trophy schedule remains pending as the BCCI informed the ICC that India’s participation in Pakistan requires government approval.
New ICC Chair Jay Shah, the youngest to assume the role at 36, has pledged a “new era” for global cricket. Formerly BCCI Secretary, Shah aims to foster collaboration among member nations to elevate the sport. Speculation surrounds his successor at the BCCI, with joint-secretary Devajit Saikia attending recent ICC meetings, hinting at a potential leadership shift.