Pakistan Agrees to 'Hybrid' Champions Trophy 2025 Plan with 3 Key Conditions, Report
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to accept the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025, but with three conditions, as per recent reports.
It has now been reported that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has agreed to take up the hybrid model for hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy after India expressed security fears about traveling to the event.
PCB Approves Hybrid Model for Champions Trophy 2025
The idea of having a hybrid model under which the matches played between India and other countries were expected to be shifted to neutral venue, most probably to the UAE, has gone in circles in the media. However, it has reportedly placed three key conditions before agreeing to this plan. According to India Today, the hybrid model would let India play all their group stage matches and the semi-final and final (if they qualify) in Dubai, UAE. In case India does not make it past the group stages, the PCB would stage the semi-finals and final of the tournament in Lahore. The PCB has reportedly demanded that if India hosts any future ICC events, then Pakistan's matches would also be played at neutral venues, ensuring fairness for both sides.
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No official statement has come from the ICC or PCB, but sources claim that the discussion is on. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently met ECB head Mubashir Usmani in Dubai. Both parties discussed preparations for the Champions Trophy and the hybrid model. Naqvi was confident that Pakistan was ready to host the event, as all logistical and security arrangements were in place.
Naqvi assured in a statement that the situation in Pakistan was stable, and state-level security would be provided to all participating teams. He further said that the preparations of stadiums were on schedule, and the people of Pakistan were excited at the prospect of hosting some of the world's best cricket teams. The Champions Trophy 2025 will be staged in February-March next year. There has been consultation with all parties, with the PCB and ICC among other stakeholders as the tournament event approaches.