ICC confirms hybrid model for 2025 Champions Trophy and future events

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has resolved the long-standing debate surrounding the 2025 Champions Trophy, introducing a hybrid hosting model for marquee ICC events scheduled between 2024 and 2027. As part of this agreement, India’s matches in Pakistan-hosted tournaments will be played at a neutral venue, and in return, Pakistan’s matches in India-hosted events will also shift to neutral grounds.

According to details available with ESPNcricinfo, this arrangement applies to the 2025 Men's Champions Trophy in Pakistan, the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup in India, and the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Additionally, this hybrid hosting model could extend to the 2028 Women's T20 World Cup, which has been awarded to Pakistan as part of the next ICC event cycle.

Under the new model, the host board of each tournament will propose the neutral venue for approval by the ICC. This decision represents a significant step toward balancing hosting rights while addressing the political and logistical concerns of both nations.

In a related development, the ICC has greenlit the idea of a triangular T20I series involving India, Pakistan, and another Asian Full Member or Associate Member nation. Such tournaments, if planned, will also adhere to the neutral venue requirement. This proposal is seen as a compensatory measure for Pakistan, which will miss the opportunity to host India’s matches in the Champions Trophy.

The 2025 Men's Champions Trophy is slated to begin on February 19, although the official schedule remains pending due to venue confirmations. This agreement marks a significant breakthrough, ensuring that cricketing rivalries between India and Pakistan continue, albeit on neutral grounds.