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South Africa To Host Champions Trophy If Pakistan Rejects Hybrid Model: Report

Babar Azam and Rohit Sharma (Source:@_FaridKhan,x.com)Babar Azam and Rohit Sharma (Source:@_FaridKhan,x.com)

The fate of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has become unpredictable with each passing day as tensions have increased between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). With India officially refusing to play in Pakistan, the ICC is considering alternative solutions to ensure the smooth conduct of the tournament. 

South Africa Likely To Host Champions Trophy 2025

A few days back, BCCI confirmed that India would not travel to Pakistan as the Indian government has denied permission, citing security issues in the neighbouring country. This decision has put PCB in a tough spot, as they hope to host the tournament on home soil. 

However, the ICC, keen to avoid a boycott from India, is urging Pakistan to consider a hybrid model. According to a report by Sports Tak, one of the latest options on the table is shifting the event to South Africa if the PCB disagrees with a proposed hybrid model. 


Will Champions Trophy 2025 Take Place In Hybrid Format? 

According to the same report, ICC has proposed PCB host the mega event in a hybrid format, where all of India's matches would be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The rest of the matches of the event could still take place in Pakistan, preserving the country's role as the primary host. 

It is important to note that this format was previously successfully implemented during the Asia Cup 2023, where India also refused to travel to Pakistan and in order to conduct the tournament smoothly, the Men in Blue played all their matches in Sri Lanka while the other teams competed in Pakistan itself.

It is also worth mentioning that amid all the uncertainty, the ICC has reportedly cancelled a vital event in Lahore that was intended to announce the schedule for the Champions Trophy. 

Traditionally, the schedule for ICC events is revealed 100 days prior to the start of the tournament. However, with negotiations still in progress, the official announcement has been delayed indefinitely, adding to the confusion surrounding the tournament.