Former Pakistani Captain Gives Inside Scoop of Champions Trophy Decision

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has disclosed that the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will be played under a hybrid model, following an agreement between the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Latif revealed that India will not travel to Pakistan for their matches. Instead, they will play their games in Dubai.

“The ICC and the two boards have agreed to move forward with the hybrid model,” Latif explained to a news channel. “Pakistan will retain the hosting rights, but India will play their matches in a neutral country. If India reaches the knockout stages, both the semi-finals and the final will be played outside Pakistan.”

ICC is expected to announce the decision regarding the fate of the ICC Champions Trophy after Friday’s meeting but Rashid Latif seems to have an inside scoop on things.

Scheduled for February-March 2025, the eight-team tournament has faced challenges due to the BCCI’s refusal to send the Indian team to Pakistan. This decision is based on the Indian government’s denial of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) over security concerns.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had previously expressed his desire to host the Champions Trophy entirely within Pakistan.

Latif, responding to Naqvi’s statement, said, “If I were in the PCB Chairman’s position, I would have said the same thing. We faced a similar situation with last year’s Asia Cup, and it was played under a hybrid model.”

Under the agreement, the ICC is expected to provide PCB with a hosting fee of around $64-65 million. Latif mentioned that Pakistan could potentially earn more if they agree to the hybrid model, adding that he believes the PCB will not oppose it. An official announcement from the PCB and ICC is expected soon.

Reports also indicate that the ICC is prepared to offer financial incentives to Pakistan to ensure their agreement. However, if the PCB resists, the ICC may resort to a voting process to strip Pakistan of its hosting rights.

This scenario could lead to a potential boycott by Pakistan or a refusal to play against India. Broadcast companies are likely to resist any disruptions to the high-stakes India-Pakistan matchups due to their significant financial value.