Champions Trophy 2025: ‘Hybrid model’ not acceptable to Pakistan Cricket Board

A “hybrid model” of hosting the Champions Trophy will not be accepted by Pakistan, according to its Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

Pakistan will host a first global tournament since 1996, an eight-team 50-over competition in February and March next year.

But political tensions between Pakistan and India mean the two countries have not played each other outside of major tournaments for 11 years, and India have not visited Pakistan since 2008.

As a result, there is speculation that India may play their matches in a country other than Pakistan, possibly the United Arab Emirates.

“Sports should remain above politics and cricket should not be sacrificed at the altar of politics,” PCB chairman Naqvi said.

The situation has not been publicly addressed by the International Cricket Council, which has yet to officially announce arrangements for the event. The tournament is scheduled to begin on February 19, 100 days from Monday.

Confusion over the schedule makes it difficult for teams, supporters and media to make plans for the event.

The tournament consists of two groups of four, with the top two progressing to the semi-finals. If India’s matches are played outside Pakistan, it leads to the prospect of the semi-final or final potentially needing two grounds more than 1,000 miles apart, with the final venue not known until India’s progress is determined.