The Champions Trophy 2025 is likely to use a hybrid model for its matches in February-March due to India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan. This situation arises from India’s longstanding hesitation to play in Pakistan, as the last bilateral cricket series between the two countries was in the 2012-2013 season, and India hasn’t visited Pakistan since 2008.
Pakistan has the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy, but because of India’s stance, some of the matches might be relocated to neutral venues such as the UAE or Sri Lanka.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already submitted a draft schedule to the International Cricket Council (ICC), which includes matches for India in Lahore. However, the final decision on whether India will travel to Pakistan is still pending.
This situation is reminiscent of the 2023 Asia Cup, where India played its matches in Sri Lanka despite the tournament being hosted by Pakistan. The hybrid model aims to accommodate India’s concerns while allowing the tournament to proceed without major disruptions.
The reluctance of India to play in Pakistan and the subsequent arrangements for neutral venues reflect the ongoing political and security tensions between the two countries, which continue to impact cricketing relations and logistics. Despite these challenges, efforts are being made to ensure that the Champions Trophy 2025 can proceed smoothly and maintain its international appeal.
