ICC Champions Trophy 2025: In a landmark decision, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled a groundbreaking hybrid model for upcoming major tournaments, specifically addressing the long-standing India-Pakistan cricket scheduling challenges. The new agreement, effective for the 2024-2027 event cycle, establishes a precedent-setting neutral venue arrangement for matches between the two cricket powerhouses.
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ICC Hybrid Model Key Highlights
- All India-Pakistan matches in ICC events will be played at neutral venues
- Agreement covers both men’s and women’s tournaments through 2027
- PCB retains full hosting rights for 2025 Champions Trophy
- UAE emerges as leading neutral venue candidate
Under the new framework, when Pakistan hosts ICC events, India’s matches will be played at neutral venues. Reciprocally, Pakistan’s matches in Indian-hosted tournaments will follow the same protocol. This arrangement extends to knockout stages, including semifinals and finals.
ICC Cricket Schedule 2024-2027
The agreement impacts several upcoming major tournaments:
- 2025 Men’s Champions Trophy (Pakistan)
- 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup (India)
- 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup (India/Sri Lanka co-hosts)
- 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup (Pakistan)
In an interesting development, the resolution also opens possibilities for a potential triangular or quadrangular T20I tournament involving both nations and additional Asian teams. The ICC has indicated it won’t oppose such arrangements, provided they follow the established neutral venue protocol.
The breakthrough comes after intensive negotiations involving the BCCI, PCB, and ICC, with both nations’ governments playing crucial background roles. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and ICC Chairman Jay Shah were instrumental in achieving this diplomatic solution.
This resolution effectively ends months of uncertainty surrounding the 2025 Champions Trophy and establishes a clear framework for future ICC events involving cricket’s most intense rivalry.
The PCB must now propose a neutral venue within 24 hours of the resolution’s passing, with the UAE emerging as the frontrunner, though Sri Lanka remains in consideration.
This innovative solution represents a significant step forward in ensuring the continuation of India-Pakistan cricket while respecting political sensitivities between the two nations.
