PCB Agrees to Hybrid Model for Champions Trophy to Ensure India’s Participation

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shown a willingness to adopt a hybrid model for hosting the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, set to take place in Pakistan, to secure India’s participation. The PCB has no objection to holding India’s matches in Dubai or Sharjah if necessary, ensuring a compromise to accommodate India's security concerns.

According to a reliable PCB source, "The PCB believes that if the Indian government doesn’t permit the team to tour Pakistan, minor adjustments to the schedule can be made. There’s a possibility that India’s matches could be held in Dubai or Sharjah."

The PCB is pressing the BCCI to provide a written statement, indicating whether or not they will send the Indian team to Pakistan for the event. The PCB source mentioned, "The PCB wants a clear, written decision from the BCCI on securing government approval or opting out of sending the team to Pakistan."

Under the PCB's proposed schedule, the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match is set for March 1 in Lahore, with Lahore hosting all of India’s matches due to security considerations. In the suggested format, Group A comprises India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B includes England, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan.

This hybrid hosting model aims to preserve the integrity of the tournament while addressing both parties' logistical and security concerns.