December 6, 2024: The agreement between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to adopt a hybrid model for hosting global tournaments is indeed a significant breakthrough, especially given the longstanding tensions between India and Pakistan in terms of bilateral series and tournament participation. This model, if implemented, could be a key solution for ensuring the smooth conduct of ICC events in both countries, which are crucial to the sport’s global calendar.
Under the hybrid model, matches involving either Pakistan or India in ICC tournaments hosted by the other country will be played at neutral venues. This includes the 2025 Champions Trophy, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan, but with Indian matches possibly moved to a third country.
Originally scheduled to take place in Pakistan, with Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi as host cities, the 2025 Champions Trophy’s full schedule has been delayed due to the ongoing impasse regarding India’s participation. With the hybrid model in place, some matches, including India’s, will likely be played at neutral locations such as the UAE or Sri Lanka.
The hybrid model could extend to all ICC events held in India or Pakistan until 2027, including the Women’s ODI World Cup in India in 2025 and the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. This flexibility could resolve logistical and political challenges for both boards.
The PCB wants the hybrid model to apply not only to men’s tournaments but also to women’s events. This is a crucial factor, as it would ensure consistency and fairness across all ICC events hosted in India and Pakistan during the current cycle (2024-27).
One of the PCB’s primary concerns is the potential loss of revenue if India’s matches are shifted to neutral venues, especially in the knockout stages (semi-finals and finals). India is a major draw for global cricket events, and its presence impacts ticket sales, broadcasting rights, and sponsorship deals. The PCB has proposed a tri-nation series involving India, Pakistan, and another country as a potential way to mitigate any financial losses incurred due to neutral venues.
A formal meeting of the ICC Board is scheduled for December 7, where the final details of the agreement will be discussed. This could potentially resolve the scheduling and financial issues surrounding the 2025 Champions Trophy and pave the way for smoother cooperation between the PCB and BCCI.
India’s participation in the Champions Trophy is still contingent on government clearance. The BCCI has made it clear that it cannot send its team to Pakistan without formal approval from the Indian government, which remains a political obstacle.
Jay Shah’s appointment as the youngest ICC Chair (36) marks a new era in global cricket. His leadership could help navigate these complex issues involving India and Pakistan, especially given his experience with the BCCI, which wields significant influence in international cricket. Shah’s vision of taking cricket to “unprecedented heights” could drive efforts to resolve longstanding issues like this and foster greater cooperation between boards.
There’s also speculation about the BCCI’s next steps, as Shah’s replacement as BCCI Secretary is still uncertain. The potential rise of joint-secretary Devajit Saikia to the role of BCCI representative on the ICC Board could also have implications for future ICC decision-making.
The hybrid model represents a pragmatic solution to the challenges posed by the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry, ensuring that major ICC events can proceed smoothly even when political and logistical hurdles arise. If the agreement is finalized, it could pave the way for a new approach to hosting international cricket in the subcontinent, balancing competitive fairness with commercial viability. However, much will depend on the ongoing negotiations between the ICC, PCB, and BCCI, as well as the final decisions made at the upcoming ICC Board meeting.
