ICC 2025 Champions Trophy: India to Play at Neutral Venues Under Hybrid Model

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the 2025 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy will be played under a hybrid model, with India’s matches taking place at a neutral venue rather than in the host country, Pakistan.

The decision, announced on Thursday, resolves a deadlock between Pakistan and India after the latter refused to send its team across the border, citing political tensions.

Hybrid Model Implementation

The hybrid arrangement will not only apply to the Champions Trophy, scheduled for February and March 2025, but also to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Sources indicated that the hybrid model could extend to knockout matches as well. The tournament features eight teams: Pakistan (hosts), India, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand, and South Africa.

The full schedule for the Champions Trophy will be announced soon, with Pakistan aiming to defend the title they won in 2017.

Longstanding Rivalry Amid Political Tensions

India has refrained from playing bilateral cricket series in Pakistan since 2008 due to strained political relations. As a result, the two cricketing giants have only faced each other in international tournaments, where their clashes draw massive global audiences.

This marks the second time a hybrid model has been employed for a major ICC event after the Asia Cup 2023 was held under a similar arrangement.

PCB Awarded Hosting Rights for 2028

The ICC also announced that Pakistan will host the 2028 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, where the neutral venue formula will again apply for India’s matches. Meanwhile, Cricket Australia is set to host one of the senior ICC women’s events during the 2029–2031 cycle.