The future of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy remains uncertain as key stakeholders, including the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), continue critical negotiations.
PCB officials are currently in Dubai, engaging in discussions to finalize the tournament’s structure and resolve significant challenges. The PCB is advocating for the adoption of the hybrid hosting model, which would allow India to participate in the tournament while maintaining Pakistan’s hosting rights.
The hybrid model proposes that India’s matches during Pakistan-hosted ICC events be held at neutral venues, while Pakistan’s matches in India-hosted tournaments would also take place at neutral sites. This approach is designed to break the deadlock between the two countries, but while progress has been reported, no final decision has been reached yet. A resolution is expected soon, with the ICC likely to make an official announcement within the week.
Last week, reports indicated a breakthrough in discussions, with both nations tentatively agreeing to adopt the hybrid model for ICC tournaments through 2027. This would affect major events, including the Women’s ODI World Cup in India in October 2024 and the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy, scheduled for February, is a major opportunity for PCB, potentially generating $6 million in hosting rights revenue, not including additional earnings from ticket sales and hospitality. However, the PCB must also allocate around $1.3 million for tournament insurance.
India’s reluctance to play in Pakistan continues to present significant challenges, requiring extensive backdoor diplomacy to overcome logistical issues. Last Saturday, the ICC postponed a key meeting on the Champions Trophy due to an incomplete response from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the hybrid proposal.
India-Pakistan matches are crucial for ICC’s global revenue, with the 2023 World Cup match between the two countries drawing record TV and digital viewership numbers. These high-profile encounters are central to the ICC’s financial outlook, with India contributing 38% of the ICC’s annual revenue, which amounts to approximately $90-95 million. For Pakistan, hosting rights and high-stakes India-Pakistan matches are vital for generating significant financial returns, making the Champions Trophy essential for the PCB’s financial stability.
Despite the delays, there is optimism that the tournament’s framework will soon be finalized. Discussions on logistics and scheduling are progressing, and an official ICC announcement is expected once negotiations conclude.
