KARACHI: The long-standing dispute between India and Pakistan over the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 is finally close to being resolved as both countries have agreed to play their matches at neutral venues for the ICC tournaments when India or Pakistan hosting the event, sources and reports revealed on Thursday.
THE The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suggested a “fusion formula” for the hybrid modelin which India’s matches in the ICC Champions Trophy, hosted by Pakistan, would be moved to a neutral venue.
In return, Pakistan demanded the same deal for ICC events in India. After much discussion, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly accepted the proposal.
Talks reached a breakthrough on Thursday evening after a meeting planned for the afternoon was postponed due to lack of a clear response from the BCCI.
Late night sources said the BCCI had agreed in principle. According to India’s PTI news agency, the 2025 Champions Trophy will now be held in Pakistan and the UAE, with India’s matches taking place in Dubai.
The agreement will apply to all ICC events until 2027. During this period, India is expected to host the Women’s ODI World Cup in October 2024 and the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026, alongside Sri Lanka. Pakistan insisted on a reciprocal hybrid arrangement for these developments in India.
Despite progress, the PCB emphasized the need for written assurances from the ICC.
“The PCB wants assurances from the ICC, not the BCCI, that the hybrid model will be implemented smoothly,” said a source close to the negotiations. “Everything must be documented to avoid future complications.”
According to sources, the PCB wants this agreement to be part of the headquarters agreement.
The PCB has also proposed organizing a triple series involving India and Pakistan at neutral venues in the future, with England and Australia among the suggested venues. While there has been no formal response from the BCCI on this idea, it remains under consideration.
A final agreement is expected within the next 48 hours as the ICC Board is scheduled to meet on December 7. The agreement will need formal approval and inclusion in headquarters agreements to ensure it is binding on all ICC member councils.
Faizan Lakhani is deputy editor (sports) at Geo News.
