The Champions Trophy, that’s all we are hearing, as the prestigious cup is set to get back on track after 2017. Once again, everything is set, but what’s not set is the venue. Pakistan has been awarded the hosting rights for this CT 2025, and they have started the preparations. But since the beginning, everyone has been curious to see what BCCI’s stance is in order to send Indian players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah to Pakistan. However, not surprisingly, BCCI is not sending the Indian team to Pakistan for this Champions Trophy, as reports suggest the Indian government has not given permission for them to travel to the neighbouring country due to security concerns.
India is reluctant to travel to Pakistan for the mega event. In order to solve this, ICC is set for a meeting on November 29th, where they are looking to get an answer to the Champions Trophy issue. But in all this happening, one word which is taking the big stage is the hybrid model. So, what is this model, which is currently the talk of the town, and how could it be used in the Champions Trophy 2025?
What is hybrid model in Champions Trophy
For cricket fans who aren’t familiar with the hybrid model, it is a system where matches are played at neutral venues if one country is unwilling to host or travel to another due to security or diplomatic concerns. The best example of this was the 2023 Asia Cup, which was initially planned to be held in Pakistan. However, because of India’s reluctance to travel, India’s matches were relocated to Sri Lanka. And that’s what the BCCI is currently demanding. As India is reluctant to go there, the only possible way the tournament could happen is either by shifting the tournament or adopting the hybrid model. The best possible venues to host India’s Champions Trophy matches are the UAE and Sri Lanka.
When was the last time Champions Trophy was held in hybrid mode?
Although the ICC 50-over World Cup has seen variations in the past, where the tournament took on a hybrid look in the 1987 WC and even in the 2011 World Cup, when it comes to the Champions Trophy, which started in 1998, the hosting rights have been given to just one country. So, what we haven’t seen in the last 26 years, we might now see happening.
Will India play in Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025?
Although the ICC 50-over World Cup has seen variations in the past, where the tournament took on a hybrid look in the 1987 WC and even in the 2011 World Cup, when it comes to the Champions Trophy, which started in 1998, the hosting rights have been given to just one country. So, what we haven’t seen in the last 26 years, we might now see happening.
