The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken a major step in resolving the ongoing issue between India and Pakistan regarding the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. The ICC has approved a hybrid model, a solution aimed at ensuring both countries can participate in the event while maintaining their preferences regarding the venue of their matches. This model comes after a proposal from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that was put forward on December 2. The proposal introduced a new plan called the fusion formula.
This plan will allow India to play its matches at a neutral venue while Pakistan will also compete at neutral venues during future ICC events hosted by India. According to sources from ESPNcricinfo, the hybrid model has received approval for the entire ICC event cycle from 2024 to 2027, meaning it will apply to all ICC tournaments during this period.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Hybrid Model Approved | India and Pakistan will play at neutral venues for certain matches |
| Timeline | 2024 to 2027 event cycle |
| Affected Events | 2025 Champions Trophy, 2026 T20 World Cup, 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup |
| Agreement Details | India’s matches in Pakistan will be at neutral venues, and vice versa |
What is the Hybrid Model for the 2025 Champions Trophy?
The hybrid model was introduced to address the issues between India and Pakistan over where their matches will take place during the 2025 Champions Trophy. As part of the deal, India will play their games at a neutral location during the Pakistan-hosted event. This setup ensures that both countries’ preferences regarding the venues are respected while still allowing them to compete in the same tournament. In return, Pakistan will also play its matches at neutral venues during future ICC events hosted by India.
The hybrid model aims to create a fair and balanced solution, allowing the two teams to participate in major events without major political or logistical conflicts. This decision is expected to open the doors for more bilateral and multilateral cricket events between these two countries in the future.
How Will the Hybrid Model Affect Future ICC Events?
The hybrid model is not only a solution for the 2025 Champions Trophy, but it also applies to future ICC events throughout the 2024-2027 cycle. The model’s approval means that during this period, India’s matches in any event hosted by Pakistan will take place at neutral venues. Similarly, Pakistan’s matches in any event hosted by India will also be held at neutral venues.
For example, Pakistan will not travel to India for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 or the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka. Additionally, the Women’s T20 World Cup 2028 has now been awarded to Pakistan, and the hybrid model will apply to this event as well.
Key Events Affected by the Hybrid Model
Several major ICC events will be affected by the hybrid model, including the Champions Trophy, Women’s ODI World Cup, and T20 World Cup. Here are the key events:
- Champions Trophy 2025: India will play at neutral venues during this tournament, which is hosted by Pakistan.
- Women’s ODI World Cup 2025: Pakistan will not travel to India for this event.
- Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Co-hosted by Sri Lanka, Pakistan’s matches will be at neutral venues.
- Women’s T20 World Cup 2028: Hosted by Pakistan, this event will also follow the hybrid model for India’s participation.
These arrangements ensure that both India and Pakistan can compete in international events without the need to travel to each other’s countries, which has been a sensitive issue for years.
ICC’s Role in Approving the Hybrid Model
The ICC played a crucial role in resolving the issues between India and Pakistan by approving the hybrid model. This model is designed to ensure both countries’ involvement in international tournaments without compromising their respective political and logistical concerns. The approval of this model marks a significant step towards more cooperative international cricket and paves the way for smoother tournament logistics in the future.
By agreeing to this solution, the ICC has shown its commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment for all member nations, ensuring that all teams, including India and Pakistan, have equal opportunities to compete in major international events. This model has set a precedent for future ICC event planning and how conflicts can be resolved in a fair manner.
Conclusion
The hybrid model approved for the 2025 Champions Trophy is a landmark decision in international cricket. By ensuring that India and Pakistan can participate in the tournament while respecting their venue preferences, the ICC has taken an important step toward resolving long-standing issues between the two countries. This model, which applies to future events as well, will help foster better relations and allow both nations to showcase their talents on the international stage. With the approval of this model, the ICC has paved the way for more inclusive and fair international cricket competitions.
FAQs
- How will the hybrid model affect India and Pakistan’s participation in ICC events? India and Pakistan will play their matches at neutral venues in events hosted by the other country.
- What events will the hybrid model apply to? It applies to the 2025 Champions Trophy, 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, and 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup.
- Will Pakistan travel to India for upcoming ICC events? No, Pakistan will not travel to India for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 and the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
- Why was the hybrid model introduced? It was introduced to resolve the long-standing issue regarding venue preferences between India and Pakistan for ICC events.