Champions Trophy 2025: Former Pakistan captain discloses agreement among ICC, BCCI, and PCB

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has revealed that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be played under a hybrid model following an agreement between the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). 

According to Latif, India will not travel to Pakistan for their matches, instead playing their games in Dubai.

“The apex body of international cricket and the two boards have agreed to go ahead with a hybrid model,” Latif told RevSportz. “The PCB will not be stripped of the hosting rights, but India will play their games in a different country. A semi-final and the final would be played outside Pakistan if India make it to the knockout stage.”

The eight-team tournament, set for February-March 2025, has faced complications due to the BCCI’s refusal to send the Indian team to Pakistan, citing the Indian government’s denial of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) over security concerns. The ICC is expected to finalize the schedule and format in a virtual board meeting on Friday, November 29.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had expressed his desire to host the tournament in its entirety within Pakistan. 

Reacting to Naqvi's statement, Latif said, “If I were the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board, I would have said the same thing. We had the same situation in last year’s Asia Cup, and it was played in a hybrid model."

“The ICC will give around $64-65 million to PCB as a hosting fee. Pakistan might earn more money if they agree to the hybrid model. I don’t think Pakistan will say no. The PCB and the ICC will soon make an announcement."

Reports suggest that the ICC is prepared to use financial incentives to secure Pakistan’s agreement. However, if the PCB resists, the ICC may consider stripping Pakistan of its hosting rights through a voting process. This scenario raises concerns over Pakistan potentially boycotting the event or refusing to play against India. Broadcasters, however, are likely to oppose any disruption involving matches between the arch-rivals due to the significant financial stakes involved.