ICC Champions Trophy likely to follow hybrid model, claims Indian media

Indian media has reported that the arrangements for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy have been finalized, with the event set to be held under a "hybrid model" of hosting. According to sources, the Champions Trophy will take place with a unique setup where Pakistan will host the event, but India will play their matches in Dubai.

The reports further claim that for the next three years, Pakistan and India will not play against each other on home soil. This arrangement is said to be part of a broader understanding between the two cricket boards, with the hybrid model being proposed as a way to bypass the ongoing political tensions between the two nations.

As per the details from the Indian media, Pakistan will serve as the official host for the Champions Trophy, but India will play its matches in Dubai, avoiding the need to travel to Pakistan. This would be the first major ICC event held under such a model, aiming to ensure the smooth running of the tournament while adhering to political sensitivities.

It is also important to note that the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, a fact that has added further complexity to the scheduling and venue considerations for upcoming ICC events.

Sources reveal that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has strongly insisted on including all agreed-upon terms in the official hosting agreement. The PCB is demanding that the finalized arrangements, particularly regarding venue allocations and travel restrictions, be officially documented in the host agreement to avoid any future confusion or disputes.

The uncertainty surrounding the Champions Trophy arose after India initially refused to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, leading to concerns about the event's viability. In response, the PCB adopted a firm stance, presenting a formula to resolve the issue and ensure the tournament proceeded smoothly.

While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to officially confirm its acceptance of the formula, Indian media reports suggest that the BCCI has now agreed to the proposed hybrid model for the Champions Trophy.

If these reports are confirmed, the 2024 ICC Champions Trophy could mark a significant turning point in how international cricket events are hosted in politically sensitive regions. The hybrid model could set a precedent for future tournaments, allowing countries to co-host or share venues in cases of diplomatic tensions.

As negotiations continue, both the PCB and BCCI will likely look to finalize the host agreement soon, with further details expected to be released in the coming weeks.