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Champions Trophy 2025 Hybrid Model: Where Will The Tournament Be Played?

Debashis Sarangi

Champions Trophy could be played in a hybrid model [Source: @TheRealPCB/X]Champions Trophy could be played in a hybrid model [Source: @TheRealPCB/X]

The political tussle between India and Pakistan has certainly jeopardised the future of Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament, which was set to be conducted in Pakistan, is now likely to be shifted elsewhere, with the Indian government not permitting its players to travel to the neighbouring country. 

Notably, India and Pakistan's respective cricketing bodies, the BCCI and PCB, have been at loggerheads with respect to the scheduling of ICC-conducted events since 2008. In the aftermath of the infamous Mumbai Terror attack, the Indian government has maintained its stance of not getting involved in bilateral cricket series against the neighbouring Asian nation. As a result, the arch-rivals have only faced each other in the ICC competitions, making the intriguing face-off a sporadic event. 

Where Will Champions Trophy 2025 Be Played If ICC Adopts The Hybrid Model?

Meanwhile, as we all know, the BCCI is comfortable with a hybrid model, while the PCB is adamant about hosting the tournament entirely in Pakistan. However, the other participating bodies have supported India on this matter, compelling the ICC to keep only two options available for the PCB. 

If the tournament is conducted in a hybrid model, most of the games will be held in Pakistan, with India playing their matches at a neutral venue, preferably in the United Arab Emirates. However, if the Men in Blue qualify for the knockouts, those fixtures will also be played in the Gulf country instead of the three originally proposed venues- Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi. 

On the other hand, if the PCB denies the hybrid model, the tournament will likely be moved out of Pakistan, as the latest reports claim. In such a scenario, the UAE is the frontrunner to play the hosts, and it won't be surprising if Pakistan boycotts the marquee event.