All set for hybrid model - the Champions Trophy imbroglio explained

The 2025 Champions Trophy is set for a hybrid model after the BCCI has refused to send the Indian team to Pakistan. (PTI/File Photo)

The 2025 Champions Trophy is set for a hybrid model after the BCCI has refused to send the Indian team to Pakistan. In fact, it is not the BCCI's decision. The cricket board didn't get the Indian government’s approval due to security reasons. And once it was decided that India wouldn't be travelling to Pakistan for the tournament, scheduled in February-March next year, a hybrid model became the only option.

What is the BCCI’s standpoint?

Throughout, the BCCI has been maintaining that sending the India team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy wasn't in their hands. It was subject to the Indian government’s approval. As the permission wasn't granted, the Indian cricket board wrote to the International Cricket Council (ICC), informing about the situation and requesting that India’s matches be allocated in Dubai.

How did the PCB react?

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remained steadfast about hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan. They wrote to the ICC, asking for the reasons behind the BCCI’s refusal to send the Indian team to Pakistan. When reminded about Pakistan eventually agreeing to a hybrid model for last year's Asia Cup despite the initial posturing, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi spoke about how things would be different this time. He even brushed aside the pecuniary concerns - the PCB is expected to get around $65 million for hosting the Champions Trophy - and spoke about taking the “injury” but not the “insult”.

What happened at the ICC Board meeting?

The ICC Board met briefly last Friday to discuss the Champions Trophy issue and according to sources, the PCB was presented with two options - accept a hybrid model or risk losing the tournament. They were advised to find a workable solution, in consultation with the BCCI and some other member boards.

What did the PCB do after that?

Pakistan, it is learnt, stood alone in the ICC on this issue, with all the other participating boards siding with the BCCI and supporting a hybrid model. Under this model, India will play their matches in a second country, likely in Dubai, while a semi-final and the final will also be played there if India qualify. The PCB, according to sources, has all but agreed to a hybrid model with a few riders.

What are the conditions the PCB has been stressing upon?

Sources said the PCB would attach certain clauses in their communication to the ICC for agreeing to a hybrid model. They would ask for an added incentive apart from the hosting fee, which is around $65 million. They would also ask for a bigger share of the ICC revenue, which currently stands at 5.75 per cent of the global body’s total projected earnings of $600 million for the 2024-2027 cycle. Also, they have a demand that the next four ICC events in India – the 2025 women’s ODI World Cup, the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup, the 2029 men’s Champions Trophy and the 2031 men’s ODI World Cup – follow the hybrid model as well.

What is the PCB chairman saying now?

Naqvi spoke to reporters in Dubai a few days ago and the change in stance was clear. “My effort is to ensure that there is no one-sided system. It shouldn’t be that we travel to India and they don’t come to our country. The idea is to settle it once and for all on equal terms,” he said.

Is the PCB asking for a written guarantee from the BCCI?

Grapevine has it that the PCB is putting pressure on the ICC and asking for a written guarantee from the BCCI that the next four global events in India would follow a hybrid model as well. They are unlikely to get that.