Fri Dec 06 04:10:00 UTC 2024: **ICC Agrees to Hybrid Model for Champions Trophy, Resolving India-Pakistan Standoff**

Dubai, UAE – The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy, resolving a long-standing dispute between India and Pakistan. The tournament will be held across the UAE and Pakistan, with India playing its matches in Dubai. This agreement, reached during an informal meeting between ICC President Jay Shah and the Board of Directors, sets a precedent for all ICC multi-lateral events until 2027, utilizing a similar hybrid approach.

This decision marks a significant breakthrough, as Pakistan had previously threatened to boycott the tournament unless a reciprocal arrangement was in place. While Pakistan initially sought this arrangement until 2031, the ICC has agreed to the hybrid model for all events until 2027. This means Pakistan will play its matches in Sri Lanka during the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Similarly, the Indian women’s team may have to play their matches against Pakistan at a neutral venue during the same period.

The agreement addresses India’s long-standing reluctance to tour Pakistan due to security concerns, a stance the ICC has acknowledged and respected. While the financial compensation demanded by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for accepting the hybrid model is still under discussion, the decision clears the way for the release of the long-awaited Champions Trophy schedule. The schedule, originally expected 90 days prior to the tournament’s February-March start, is now anticipated to be released shortly. Representatives from Star Sports, the tournament’s broadcaster, met with Shah to discuss operational details of the hybrid model and the schedule.

The hybrid model represents a compromise that satisfies all stakeholders, ensuring the tournament proceeds while considering the concerns of all participating nations. While financial details remain to be finalized, this resolution signals a significant step forward for international cricket relations.

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