The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has agreed to host the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy under a hybrid model, but with a significant condition attached. According to an ESPNcricinfo report, PCB has offered to consider a hybrid model but only if there is a concrete written agreement allowing Pakistan the same option when a global tournament is held in India.
According to the report the PCB proposed this during recent discussions with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in Dubai.
The PCB is advocating for a long-term agreement that would extend beyond the 2025 Champions Trophy. This would guarantee that Pakistan has the option to play its matches outside India during ICC events. The discussions are ongoing, and it remains uncertain whether the arrangement will last only for the next three years or continue until the end of the current rights cycle in 2031. India is all set to host 2025 Women's ODI World Cup, 2026 Men's T20 World Cup, 2029 Champions Trophy, and 2031 Men's ODI World Cup.
Mohsin Naqvi on Hybrid Model
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."
He added, "A one-sided arrangement is no longer acceptable. It cannot be that we always go to India, but they don’t come to Pakistan. Whatever happens must be on the basis of equality."
Will BCCI agree to PCB's proposal?
Whether the BCCI will agree to PCB’s proposal remains uncertain. However, any decision is expected to involve consultations with the Government of India.
