The ongoing tussle between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a new turn, with a fresh impasse emerging despite PCB’s alleged acceptance of the hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Indian media reports claim that the PCB is now demanding that the same hybrid model be applied to ICC tournaments hosted by India in the future, a proposal the BCCI has outrightly rejected. The BCCI is reportedly planning to argue that there are no security concerns in India that warrant such an arrangement.
Prior to the ICC board meeting last Friday, the PCB was steadfast in its opposition to a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy, which would involve India’s matches being played at a neutral venue. However, with the BCCI remaining firm in its stance and the ICC hinting at the possibility of relocating the Champions Trophy entirely from Pakistan, the Indian media claims the PCB had limited options and ultimately agreed to the hybrid model.
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The decisions regarding the Champions Trophy would inevitably impact future ICC tournaments hosted by both India and Pakistan. Given India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan, the PCB is advocating for a similar arrangement for Pakistan’s participation in Indian-hosted events.
The PCB has reportedly requested the ICC to schedule Pakistan’s women’s matches at a neutral venue during next year’s 50-over World Cup in India. Additionally, for the upcoming men’s ICC events -- including the T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy, and 50-over World Cup -- the PCB is pushing for a hybrid model to ensure their team doesn’t have to travel to India.
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However, the BCCI is unlikely to agree to these demands, citing that security concerns in India are unfounded. The BCCI has consistently maintained that security risks are the primary reason for not sending Indian teams to Pakistan.
This position was reinforced last month when the Indian government denied clearance for the blind cricket team to travel to Pakistan for the T20 World Cup, citing security issues. As a result, the BCCI sees no justification for adopting a hybrid model for events hosted in India.
