PCB agrees to hybrid model for Champions Trophy, but with conditions: Report

After the ICC Governing Board meeting on Friday failed to reach any consensus on the matter, reports now suggest that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have agreed on the hybrid model, albeit on two conditions, according to reports.

The conditions, reportedly put by PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, are –

All tournaments hosted by India till 2031 should also be played in a hybrid model, i.e. Pakistan will not travel to India. Second, PCB has reportedly demanded higher monetary incentive for the tournament.

The Champions Trophy 2025 is slated to be played from February 19 to March 9. But it has run into uncertainty after BCCI said it did not have the Indian government’s consent to travel and play its matches in Pakistan.

The meeting on Friday was held over an online call and is believed to have all 15 members of the board - 12 full members representatives and three Associate nations directors – in attendance along with CEO Geoff Allardice and Chairman Greg Barclay.

Pakistan holds the hosting rights for Champions Trophy 2025 and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has been steadfast about staging the tournament completely in the country. With India refusing to come to Pakistan, a hybrid model looms as the likely option for playing the 15-match tournament.

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif claimed that the ICC Board meeting to finalise the venues and schedule of the Champions Trophy 2025 will be held either on Sunday or the day after. 

(With inputs from syndicated feed)