Dark clouds over Champions Trophy 2025 have finally dispersed

Details reveal that Pakistan is set to host the Champions Trophy in early 2025. India had initially threatened to boycott the event, putting it at risk. 
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) demanded that its matches be played in the UAE under a hybrid model. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) adopted a firm stance, stating that while the Indian team never travels to Pakistan, Pakistan teams have always travelled to India to play. This time, there would be no compromise, and negotiations would be on equal terms.

A partnership or fusion model was proposed, under which both countries' teams would play their matches at neutral venues for any ICC event in the next three years. After several days of negotiations, COO Sameer Syed and former COO Salman Naseer travelled to Dubai to continue discussions. According to sources, an agreement has now been reached between the two parties. Pakistan will still host the Champions Trophy next year, but the Indian team will play its matches in the UAE. If India advances to the semifinals or finals, those matches will also take place in Dubai. However, if India does not qualify, the final will be held in Lahore. The ICC has approved this arrangement.

In 2026, India, along with Sri Lanka, will host the T20 World Cup. Pakistan will not travel to India for its matches; instead, they will be played in Sri Lanka. The PCB had proposed organizing a triangular tournament in the UAE to compensate for the financial loss caused by India's absence, but no agreement could be reached on this. However, after 2027, Pakistan will host an ICC Women's event.

PCB sources have confirmed that a significant breakthrough has been made, with most matters agreed upon. Final agreements are expected to be finalized by this Saturday. The sources also mentioned that India has accepted Pakistan's demands, but emphasized that the deal would not be considered finalized until the signing of the agreement. PCB representatives stated they would not back down from their demands and were willing to go to any lengths to secure a fair deal, though they now believe that the situation will not escalate further.

On the other hand, ICC sources stated that talks are ongoing, and an official decision will be announced via a media release, though the timing of the announcement remains uncertain.

In summary, the hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy has been approved, with Pakistan as the host country, and India will play its matches in the UAE. Similarly, Pakistan will not play in India during the 2026 T20 World Cup, with Sri Lanka as the host for their matches. Pakistan is also set to host the ICC Women's event after 2027.

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