BCCI suggests change in venue, hybrid model for 2025 Champions Trophy

Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), expressed openness to considering a bilateral series with India on Monday, contingent upon India's team participating in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan. 

However, reports from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) suggest a different scenario.

According to a report by Indo-Asian News Service (IANS), sources within the BCCI indicated that not only is a bilateral series unlikely, but there's also doubt about India's participation in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

There's even speculation about a potential change in venue or the adoption of a hybrid model for the tournament. The BCCI would need government permission for travel, and given the current strained relations between India and Pakistan, such approval is uncertain. 

"Forget bilateral series...Team India may not even travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. There might be a change of venue, s hybrid model is also possible," BCCI sources told IANS. 

"The Indian board would need permission from the government for travel, currently our relations with Pakistan are not that good either,” source further added.

Despite the Champions Trophy being an ICC event, India's participation hinges on governmental directives. 

“Champions Trophy is an ICC event, so it would be a tough call for India but nothing without the government's order/green signal. Bilateral series, I don't see in the near future, that's next to impossible,” source added.

The prospects for a bilateral series appear bleak, with the last such series between India and Pakistan taking place in 2012-13. India's refusal to play in Pakistan led to the adoption of a hybrid model for the Asia Cup last year, with matches majorly held in Sri Lanka.