NEW DELHI: The uncertainty surrounding next year’s Champions Trophy has been resolved, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirming that the tournament will follow a hybrid model. This decision comes after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) declined to send the Indian team to Pakistan due to security concerns.
Despite initial resistance, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) agreed to the hybrid model, ensuring that Pakistan retains hosting rights while allowing India to play its matches at a neutral venue. The ICC announced on Thursday that the tournament schedule will be released soon.
The ICC board has decided that matches between India and Pakistan during ICC events in the 2024-2027 cycle will be held at neutral venues. This decision will affect the Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 (hosted by Pakistan), the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (hosted by India), and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka).
In addition, the PCB has been granted the hosting rights for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028, which will also be played under the Hybrid Model.
Meanwhile, Australia has been awarded the hosting rights for one of the senior ICC women’s events between 2029 and 2031.
The Champions Trophy was last held in 2017, when Pakistan defeated India to claim the title. Scheduled to take place in Pakistan next year, the tournament will feature eight teams: India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and the host nation, Pakistan.
The competition is expected to take place in February and March of next year. According to a report, the PCB prefers Sri Lanka as the co-host for the prestigious event. However, the UAE is considered a likely venue for India’s matches due to logistical reasons.
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