Champions Trophy talks yield mixed results for Pakistan

The longstanding impasse surrounding the Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan, appears to be nearing a resolution.

Media reports suggest that the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have reached a tentative agreement to implement a hybrid hosting model for ICC tournaments involving Pakistan and India until 2027.

This compromise would enable both nations to play their matches at neutral venues during ICC tournaments hosted by either country. However, it remains uncertain whether this model will extend to both men's and women's tournaments.

The ICC’s current commercial cycle (2024-27) includes three major events set to be hosted in Pakistan or India. These are the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in February 2025, the Women’s ODI World Cup in India later that year, and the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Breakthrough negotiations in Dubai

According to Cricinfo, this breakthrough emerged after a meeting in Dubai between ICC Chair Jay Shah and PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi. The discussions coincided with Shah’s visit to the ICC headquarters in his new role.

ICC Board representatives (L-R) Faruque Ahmed, Devajit Saikia, Mirwais Ashraf, Geoff Allardice, Imran Khwaja, Jay Shah, Tavengwa Mukuhlani, Mubashshir Usmani, Shammi Silva, Roger Twose, Dr. Mohammed Abdul Samad Moosajee, Mahinda Vallipuram gather at the ICC Headquarters for the visit of the new ICC Chair.ICC

A key condition for the PCB’s acceptance of the hybrid model is its application to all ICC events hosted in Pakistan or India until 2027.

Potential impact on high-stakes matches

Adopting the hybrid model could have significant implications, particularly for marquee matches like India vs. Pakistan. If implemented, India may be unable to host a high-profile clash against Pakistan during the 2026 T20 World Cup, potentially impacting revenues. Matches between the two rivals are among the most lucrative in cricket, as evidenced by the economic boost generated by their 2023 World Cup encounter in Ahmedabad, where ticket prices, flights, and accommodations surged.

The PCB and Pakistan's economy are likely to face comparable losses during the Champions Trophy. Therefore, another major demand from the PCB is compensation for potential revenue shortfalls if India's Champions Trophy matches are moved to a venue outside Pakistan.

Should India progress to the knockout stages, critical matches like semi-finals or the final would also be shifted to neutral venues, with the UAE and Sri Lanka emerging as likely candidates. The PCB has argued for reimbursement to cover the financial impact of relocating games, and this condition is reportedly gaining traction with stakeholders.

PCB’s proposal for a Tri-Nation series

To offset financial losses, the PCB proposed organizing a tri-nation series involving India, Pakistan, and a third team at a neutral venue, likely the UAE. However, this suggestion has met resistance from both the ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), making its acceptance improbable.

Broadcast and grouping concerns

Another PCB request was to avoid placing India and Pakistan in the same group for the Champions Trophy, allowing Pakistan to host all its league games at home. This suggestion was also rebuffed, as an India-Pakistan clash is a significant revenue generator. Broadcasters, too, are reportedly opposed to missing out on this blockbuster fixture.

PCB's key demands

Pakistan will not play its matches in India during ICC events until 2027 – likely to be accepted.

Compensation from the ICC for relocating five games outside Pakistan – likely to be accepted.

A tri-series featuring India, Pakistan, and a third nation at a neutral venue – likely to be rejected.

Separate group placements for India and Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025 – likely to be rejected.

Final decision

Further negotiations among the ICC, PCB, and BCCI are anticipated, with a conclusive decision expected during the ICC’s board meeting on December 7.