However, the PCB has insisted that this arrangement must also apply to all ICC events in India until 2031.
A top PCB source told PTI that the board is also asking for a bigger share of the ICC’s revenue as part of the deal.
Under the hybrid model, India would play its matches, including a game against Pakistan, in Dubai due to security concerns.
The tournament is planned for February-March 2025.
This is a change from the PCB’s earlier position when it threatened to pull out of the tournament if it wasn’t granted full hosting rights and if India’s demand to play at neutral venues was accepted.”The current situation is that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that it will only accept hosting the Champions Trophy on a hybrid model if the board agrees that in future all ICC events will be on the same system with Pakistan not going to India to play matches,” the PCB source told PTI.India is set to host three ICC events by 2031: the 2026 T20 World Cup (with Sri Lanka), the 2029 Champions Trophy, and the 2031 ODI World Cup (with Bangladesh). If the hybrid model is applied, Pakistan wouldn’t have to play in India for the events co-hosted with Bangladesh or Sri Lanka. The 2029 Champions Trophy, entirely in India, could still be a sticking point.
The ICC board met recently to discuss the issue but couldn’t reach a decision. The ICC reportedly told the PCB to either accept the hybrid model or face being excluded from the tournament. This delay has also held up the announcement of the Champions Trophy schedule.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is also asking for a bigger financial share from the ICC, increasing Pakistan’s revenue share from the current 5.75%. However, the PCB source clarified to PTI that Naqvi hasn’t requested additional hosting fees.
“People are saying that Naqvi has sought time to get back after talking to his government, but we don’t know if he went there with the backing of the government and had already sought their approval to make his stand in the ICC board’s virtual meeting,” the source added.
Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, could face criticism at home if the PCB appears to back down without gaining anything in return.
Earlier, Naqvi met with Emirates Cricket Board head Mubashir Usmani in Dubai and said Pakistan was ready to host the Champions Trophy, with preparations on track.
Rumors about Pakistan receiving a USD 20 million bonus in addition to the USD 6 million hosting fee were dismissed by the PCB source. “Pakistan has taken only one stance and that is in future, it will also not play in India in any ICC events and the hybrid model should be applied for all future ICC events that Pakistan and India will play their games at neutral venues,” PTI quoted the source as saying.
(With inputs from PTI)
