Pakistan’s ex-cricketer Javed Miandad called the ICC’s decision on the Champions Trophy’s ‘Hybrid Model’ a victory for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), saying that the PCB took a wise approach. The ICC confirmed on December 19 that the Champions Trophy 2025, which will be hosted by Pakistan, will follow a hybrid model. India will play their matches at a neutral venue. “ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 to be played across Pakistan and a neutral venue,” the ICC announced. ICC also confirmed that the India and Pakistan matches hosted by either country at ICC Events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at a neutral venue.
It’s a sensible approach
Javed Miandad believes that it’s very sensible what PCB has done. “I think the PCB took the sensible approach and instead of doing something rash and facing isolation in the ICC and among other cricket nations, it opted for a solution where I think the PCB has gained more than the BCCI,” Miandad said in an interview with media. He also emphasised that Pakistan also don’t want to play in India now. “Still, Pakistan is hosting a big event after a very long time and we have sent a clear message that if you don’t come and play in our country, we will also not play in India.”
PCB’s demands to ICC
The ICC has agreed to PCB’s main demand, which is that the Pakistan cricket team will not travel to India for any upcoming ICC events until 2027. However, two of PCB’s requests were rejected. The first was asking for compensation for moving five matches out of Pakistan, including the India vs Pakistan match and the knockout games (semifinal and final). The second was PCB’s request to have India and Pakistan placed in different groups for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Pakistan to host ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028
The ICC also confirmed that Pakistan will host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028, which will be the first event of the next cycle. As with the current cycle, India will not travel to Pakistan for the 2028 event.
