KARACHI: Pakistan and India have reportedly agreed to adopt a “hybrid model” that would see both sides share their match-neutral venues for upcoming International Cricket Council tournaments, including the Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan in February 2025. will enable play on The reports came out on Thursday.
The Pakistan Cricket Board had proposed a “fusion formula” for the hybrid model, in which India’s matches in the ICC Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan would be shifted to a neutral venue. In return, Pakistan demanded a similar arrangement for ICC events in India. After much debate, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly accepted the proposal.
Talks progressed on Thursday evening after a planned afternoon meeting was postponed due to lack of a clear response from the BCCI.
By late night, sources said that the BCCI has agreed in principle.
According to India’s PTI news agency, the 2025 Champions Trophy will now be held in both Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, with India’s matches in Dubai.
The agreement will reportedly apply to all ICC events until 2027.
During this time, India is scheduled to host the Women’s ODI World Cup in October 2024 and the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026 along with Sri Lanka. Pakistan had insisted on a reciprocal hybrid arrangement for these events in India.
Despite the progress, the PCB has insisted on the need for written guarantees from the ICC. “The PCB wants an assurance from the BICC, not the BCCI, that the hybrid model will be implemented without any issues,” said a source close to the talks. “Everything needs to be documented to avoid future complications.” According to sources, the PCB wants this arrangement to be made part of the host agreement.
The PCB has also proposed a tri-series involving India and Pakistan at neutral venues in the future, with England and Australia among the suggested venues.
Although there has been no official response from the BCCI on this idea, it is under consideration.
A final deal is expected in the next 48 hours, as the ICC board is scheduled to meet on December 7.
The arrangement will require formal approval and inclusion in host agreements to ensure it is binding on all ICC member boards.