ICC confirms hybrid model for 2025 Champions Trophy, neutral venues finalized

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a hybrid model to resolve the ongoing impasse surrounding the 2025 Champions Trophy, paving the way for India and Pakistan to participate in ICC events without traveling to each other's countries. This landmark agreement will apply for the current events cycle, spanning 2024-2027, and encompasses multiple ICC tournaments.

The decision ensures that India’s matches in ICC events hosted by Pakistan will be played at a neutral venue. Conversely, Pakistan’s matches in ICC events hosted by India will also shift to neutral locations. This arrangement includes knockout stages, such as semifinals and finals, in events where either country is involved.

The implementation starts with the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, where India’s matches will take place outside the host nation. Similarly, the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup in India and the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup (co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka) will see Pakistan’s matches played at alternative venues. Sri Lanka is expected to serve as a neutral venue for matches involving the two nations.

The ICC has granted host boards the authority to propose neutral venues, subject to its approval. For the 2025 Champions Trophy, the UAE and Sri Lanka have emerged as likely options. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will retain full hosting rights despite the venue changes, ensuring the logistical and financial integrity of the events.

Additionally, the resolution hints at potential triangular or quadrangular T20 tournaments featuring India, Pakistan, and other Asian teams. While this remains outside the ICC's purview, similar neutral venue arrangements would apply. These tournaments are expected to strengthen cricketing ties while circumventing direct travel between India and Pakistan.

This breakthrough comes after weeks of tense negotiations involving the PCB, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and the ICC. Political tensions between the neighboring nations complicated the process, with input from their respective governments being instrumental in finalizing the agreement. The decision marks a significant step forward in ensuring the smooth conduct of ICC events while addressing the geopolitical realities affecting cricket in the region.