The Champions Trophy is expected to take place in a hybrid format in February-March due to the unlikelihood of India traveling to Pakistan for the ODI matches. Pakistan holds the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy, marking its return to the cricket calendar after 2017. However, a few matches in the tournament may be held in the UAE or Sri Lanka, according to a source familiar with the situation as reported by India Today.
The Pakistan Cricket Board presented a preliminary schedule to the International Cricket Council last month. In this schedule, India’s matches were set to be held in Lahore, including the highly anticipated match against their arch-rivals on March 1. Nevertheless, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has not yet confirmed any travel plans.
“It is improbable that the team will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, but a final decision will be made by the government. Therefore, a hybrid model is being considered. India might play their matches in the UAE or Sri Lanka, similar to the Asia Cup. While the ICC’s stance will also play a role, this is the current plan. We will have to wait and see how things progress. At present, it appears that a hybrid model will be implemented,” the source stated.
The announcement was made shortly after PCB chair Mohsin Naqvi informed the board of governors that they are planning to host the entire Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Naqvi mentioned that this matter will be discussed during an ICC Board Meeting in Colombo scheduled for later this month.
India has refrained from engaging in bilateral cricket with Pakistan since the 2012-13 season and has not visited Pakistan since 2008. Former Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur had stated last year that India would not resume cricketing ties with Pakistan until they cease cross-border terrorism.
Pakistan had to organize the Asia Cup in a hybrid format last year as India declined to play in Pakistan. India’s matches were held in Sri Lanka, and Rohit Sharma’s team emerged victorious in the tournament, which took place before the ODI World Cup. Despite PCB’s insistence on hosting all Asia Cup matches in Pakistan, the tournament was eventually conducted in a hybrid model.
Chris Tetley, the ICC head of events, recently met with PCB chairman Naqvi in Islamabad following the inspection of venues and arrangements by the world body’s security team. The PCB has allocated around 17 billion rupees for the renovation of stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi in preparation for the 50-over tournament involving 8 teams.
Pakistan clinched the Champions Trophy in 2017 by defeating India in the final. The defending champions are eager to bounce back after disappointing performances in the ODI and T20 World Cups in 2023 and 2024, respectively.