The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is open to adjusting the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule by possibly using a hybrid model. This change comes as the Indian government may not allow the Indian team to play in Pakistan due to security concerns.
The PCB’s idea is that India could play their matches in the UAE, similar to the hybrid model used during the 2023 Asia Cup. This would let India participate in the tournament while easing political and security concerns.
Pakistan last hosted a major tournament with the 2023 Asia Cup, where they used a hybrid model. Due to security issues, India played their matches in Sri Lanka instead of Pakistan.
“The PCB feels that even if Indian government does not clear the tour to Pakistan slight adjustments can be made to the schedule, as in all probability India would play its matches in Dubai or Sharjah,” a source told PTI.
The ICC cannot force any board to go against its government’s policy. The final decision on India’s participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy rests with the BCCI and the Indian government. A decision may come soon, especially with Indian official Jay Shah about to take on a leading role in the ICC.
Meanwhile, PCB is pressing ICC to announce the tournament schedule by next week, coinciding with a visit from ICC officials to Lahore.
“The PCB has discussed with the ICC the tentative schedule which they sent some months back and wants the same schedule announced on 11 November. It has told the ICC that since a back-up plan is already in place with a revised budget there is no sense in delaying releasing a tentative schedule of matches,” added the source.
The PCB is also requesting ICC to ask BCCI for a written confirmation on India’s participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy, set for February-March.
“The PCB wants the BCCI to give in writing whether they get permission from their government or not to send their team to Pakistan,” the source continued.
According to Cricket Pakistan’s proposed schedule, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand are in Group A, while England, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan make up Group B. The tournament is tentatively scheduled for February 19 to March 9, with March 10 as a reserve day.
