India could play the upcoming Champions Trophy in the hybrid model as the Pakistan Cricket Board has demonstrated flexibility in its attitude towards hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy. According to a report by DNA India, the PCB is willing to make adjustments to accommodate India’s matches in the UAE.
This perspective adjustment indicates that the event will use a hybrid model, as the Indian government is unlikely to permit travel to Pakistan due to present socio-political conditions and security concerns in Pakistan.
The last major event Pakistan held was the 2023 Asia Cup, which was also played in a hybrid format due to security concerns about playing in Pakistan. Team India played all its 2023 Asia Cup matches in Sri Lanka.
According to PCB sources, “The PCB feels that even if the Indian government does not clear the tour to Pakistan, slight adjustments to the schedule, as in all probability India would play its matches in Dubai or Sharjah.”
The International Cricket Council (ICC) can’t force the cricket boards to go against their government’s policy. So, it will be interesting to see how the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decides on the topic.
Meanwhile, the PCB is pressing the ICC to reveal the tournament schedule before next week since several senior officials from the governing body are set to visit Lahore again.
According to the PCB’s proposed schedule, the highly awaited Champions Trophy match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan will be held in Lahore on March 1st of next year. The tournament is set to begin on February 19, 2025, with Pakistan vs New Zealand in Karachi.
