Pakistan agrees to hybrid model for Champions Trophy, wants same for ICC events hosted by India in future

The long-standing dispute between India and Pakistan regarding the Champions Trophy has finally been resolved. After much deliberation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has agreed to hold the tournament under a hybrid model, as proposed by India. However, this resolution is not as simple as it sounds, as PCB has placed two conditions on the table for the International Cricket Council (ICC) to consider.

Although no formal announcement has been made yet, various media outlets have confirmed that the PCB has agreed to the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy. However, PCB has added two key conditions: Firstly, the revenue share allocated to PCB from the ICC's earnings must be increased. Secondly, any global tournaments India hosts until 2031 must also follow the hybrid model. This essentially means that Pakistan’s team will not travel to India for these tournaments.

In the upcoming Champions Trophy, India will play their matches in the United Arab Emirates, while most of the games will be held in Pakistan. If India doesn't make it to the final, the final will take place at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. However, if India reaches the final, it will be played in the UAE instead of Lahore.

Speaking about the complexities of the Champions Trophy, PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, said on Saturday, "A lot of discussions are ongoing, but I don't want to say much at this moment. It could spoil everything. We have communicated our position to the ICC, and India has shared their decision."

Naqvi further added, "We are trying to create a situation where both countries can win—where we win, and India wins too. We just want to make sure that nothing is one-sided. We will do whatever is necessary for the good of cricket. We don't want a situation where India never plays in our country, but we are constantly expected to travel to India."

Naqvi believes that the concept of one country not playing in the other’s territory isn't truly a hybrid model, but rather another form of arrangement. "This won't be a hybrid formula; it might be a new formula. In any case, we will ensure everything is balanced. Pakistan’s respect comes first for us. At the end of the day, our goal is for cricket to triumph."

It remains to be seen whether the ICC will accept the conditions put forward by PCB, but a decision is expected to be made soon.