The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be played in Pakistan has become a matter of tension for India and Pakistan as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has signaled its unwillingness to send its team to Pakistan for playing in the tournament.
With diplomatic strains affecting both the countries, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) now confronts potential financial losses if India refuses to travel which may lead to further complications in hosting the event. The ICC has asked PCB whether hybrid model is acceptable to it or not and it has also assured PCB that despite matches of India being played at a neutral venue, it will still get full hosting fees. There are some reports which suggest that PCB and Pakistan government are even thinking of withdrawing from the tournament if the ICC decides to take the tournament to some other country.
The PCB has strongly opposed the idea of adopting a “hybrid model” that would allow Indian matches to be held at neutral venues. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently affirmed Pakistan’s stance, stating that the board would only consider the hybrid option if officially communicated by the BCCI.
The PCB is aware that a full tournament boycott could result in substantial financial setbacks, including forfeiting the $65 million hosting fees and losing a portion of ICC funding.
Well, it seems PCB will loosen its stand now and accept hybrid model.
