NEW DELHI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be hosted by Pakistan, with matches involving India being played at a neutral venue.
This decision comes after a prolonged deadlock over the hosting rights, with the ICC finally resolving the issue under the chairmanship of Jay Shah.
Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir welcomed the hybrid model, expressing his joy over the prospect of an India-Pakistan match, regardless of the venue.
He emphasized that fans would find a way to witness the iconic clash, even if it were to take place on the moon.
“As a cricketer, I welcome this announcement of the India vs Pakistan match on Champions Trophy 2025 in a neutral venue (as per hybrid model). Even if this contest of India and Pakistan happens on the moon, fans will find a way,” Amir told Sunil Yash Kalra, as quoted by ANI.
While Amir acknowledged the significance of the India-Pakistan match itself, he also expressed disappointment with the ICC’s approach, stating that the governing body acted lazily in resolving the deadlock.
“I welcome the fact that the match between India and Pakistan is taking place. The significance lies in the match itself, not the venue. I am happy, and I am sure all those who want to see this iconic clash will be happy too,” he added. “They have scheduled tournaments until 2031, so why did the work on the Champions Trophy 2025 only begin two months ago? ICC has acted very very lazy (over delays in dealing with the Champions Trophy) ICC should have gotten into the act to resolve this deadlock sooner since the calendar is set years in advance. It is necessary to have a match between India and Pakistan, everyone is waiting for the match between India & Pakistan, including me.”
The hybrid model will also be implemented for other ICC events in the 2024-2027 cycle, including the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (hosted by India) and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (hosted by India and Sri Lanka).
Additionally, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been awarded the hosting rights for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028, with neutral venue arrangements in place.
The schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be confirmed soon, with Pakistan aiming to defend the title they won in 2017 by defeating India in the final.
The eight-team event will feature Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, and South Africa, alongside the hosts Pakistan.
Due to strained political relations between India and Pakistan, the two nations have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13, with their encounters primarily limited to ICC tournaments and Asia Cups.