ICC confirms hybrid-model for upcoming Champions Trophy

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially confirmed the hybrid-model for upcoming Champions Trophy, which will be hosted by Pakistan.

“India and Pakistan matches hosted by either country at ICC Events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at a neutral venue,” ICC said in the statement on Thursday.

This will apply to the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 (hosted by Pakistan), set to be played in February and March 2025, as well as the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (hosted by India) and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (hosted by India and Sri Lanka).

The body also awarded the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hosting rights of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028, where neutral venue arrangements will also apply.

Moreover, Cricket Australia is set to host one of the senior ICC women’s events during the period 2029 to 2031.

The cricket’s governing body also confirmed that the schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be confirmed soon, with Pakistan aiming to defend the title they won in 2017.

The eight-team event will feature Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, and South Africa, alongside hosts Pakistan.

Under the new arrangement, matches will be split between Pakistan and Dubai, ensuring participation from all teams while addressing security and logistical concerns raised by some boards.