New Delhi: Pakistan is set to host the 2025 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy under a hybrid model, with Team India playing its matches at a neutral venue. This arrangement ensures India’s participation and brings financial advantages to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). According to former India batter Aakash Chopra, the PCB will not only save face but also earn an additional Rs 38 crore from the ICC for organizing the tournament in this model.
“No, Pakistan is not losing money. In fact, Pakistan hasn’t lost face this time either. Despite the discussions, they agreed to the hybrid model and haven’t walked away empty-handed. The current scenario is that all India vs Pakistan matches will be played under this model. If India doesn’t travel to Pakistan, then Pakistan will also not travel to India. Instead, Pakistan will play their matches in a third country,” Chopra stated on his YouTube channel.
“There is no financial loss for Pakistan. They will receive an extra $4.5 million for hosting some games outside of the country. Of course, there will be additional expenditure, so the ICC will provide another $4.5 million to organize games outside Pakistan. The only loss will be in terms of tourism, which would have been beneficial for their economy. My personal experience of touring Pakistan was wonderful, and the people were very welcoming,” Chopra added.
India and Pakistan were involved in a month-long standoff after the BCCI informed the ICC that India would not send its team to Pakistan due to security concerns and political tensions. Eventually, both nations reached an agreement, where Pakistan would also participate in upcoming ICC tournaments hosted by India at neutral venues.
“India and Pakistan matches hosted by either country during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at a neutral venue, the ICC Board confirmed,” said a statement from the council. “This will apply to the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which will be hosted by Pakistan.”
