ISLAMABAD: After months of negotiations, Pakistan and India have reportedly come to a groundbreaking agreement on a hybrid model for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. This agreement, expected to be formalized soon, will see India’s matches played at a neutral venue, with Sri Lanka emerging as a possible location for the games.

Hybrid Model Agreement

Under the terms of the deal, if India fails to qualify for the final, the Champions Trophy final will be played in Lahore, Pakistan. In return, Pakistan’s team will not be playing their matches on Indian soil for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, with Sri Lanka emerging as the likely alternative host.

Venue Discussion: Sri Lanka or UAE?

While Dubai has been the front-runner as the preferred venue for India’s matches, Sri Lanka has emerged as an unexpected option. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering Colombo or other cities in Sri Lanka for India’s group matches. This development caught the International Cricket Council (ICC) off guard, as the governing body had been inclined towards the UAE.

Finalizing the Agreement

The officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have reportedly finalized the details of the hybrid model, with the ICC set to make an official announcement soon. Sources suggest that Mohsin Naqvi, PCB Chairman, recently held a crucial meeting in Dubai with Mubashir Usmani, a former Emirates Cricket Board official and current ICC Director. These discussions were aimed at smoothing out any remaining details before the final confirmation.

Next Steps for the ICC

Although some PCB officials are currently away in Saudi Arabia for Umrah, sources close to the board confirm that significant progress has been made. The ICC is expected to announce the agreement by Sunday or Monday, finalizing the venues and schedule for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

The Implications of the Agreement

This development marks a significant shift in Pakistan-India cricket relations, paving the way for a smoother path toward the 2025 tournament. The hybrid model allows both teams to maintain their preferred playing conditions while ensuring a neutral ground for India’s matches. The potential shift in venues from UAE to Sri Lanka is also an important factor, as it reflects growing collaboration between the two nations despite political challenges.