The row the between Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over Champions Trophy participation looks to have been finally settled with Hybrid Model been accepted for the tournament. The ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in February next year .
As per reports both BCCI and PCB in principle have agreed for T20 World Cup 2026 that Pakistan won’t travel for the India vs Pakistan league game to India and will play that in Colombo. PCB will not receive any financial compensation for this arrangement, they have secured hosting rights for an ICC Women’s tournament after 2027.
The agreement has been well-received by all stakeholders, ensuring smooth planning for these marquee events while addressing logistical and geopolitical concerns.
India-Pakistan standoff over Champions Trophy
India had been against visiting the neighbours for the tournament due to political tension between both countries. On the other hand Pakistan Cricket Board remain adamant about hosting the event at home.
Earlier PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi strongly criticized any one-sided agreements, stressing the need for fairness between the two countries. In a video shared by PCB media on X (formerly Twitter), Naqvi stated, "We will do what’s best for cricket. It is definitely not a hybrid formula, but if a new formula is formed, it will be an equal one."
The Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) decision to accept the hybrid model for hosting the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy marks a significant shift in its stance. This move reflects not just strategic foresight but also a deep understanding of the dynamics shaping international cricket. By stepping back from its earlier boycott threat, the PCB has displayed maturity and pragmatism, ensuring that Pakistan remains a key player in the cricketing world while securing its hosting rights for one of the sport's marquee events.
