PCB denies idea of hosting Champions Trophy in hybrid model amid uncertainty over India's travel plans

An last India vs Pakistan match in Pakistan happened all the way back in 2008.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has vehemently denied the idea of hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in a hybrid model. This comes after a report suggested that the Indian cricket team would play their matches in Dubai or Sharjah if their government doesn’t allow them to travel to Pakistan.

PCB unwilling to accept India’s terms

The PCB had made it clear that they would host their first ICC tournament in 29 years, solely at home. Pakistan had made the mistake of backing down last year when, following India’s refusal to travel for the 2023 Asia Cup, they played the 50-over tournament in a hybrid model, with Sri Lanka getting to host more matches than them. It seems this time around, they aren’t ready to make the same mistake.

“No consideration is being given to any hybrid model,” a PCB source told Cricket Pakistan.

ICC delegation in Lahore & unveiling of Champions Trophy schedule

What’s worth noting is that an International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation is expected to visit Lahore, one of the three venues for the ICC Champions Trophy, from November 10 to 12 to assess PCB’s preparations for the 8-team tournament. The same report, which mentioned the event happening in a hybrid model, also suggested that the schedule for the Champions Trophy would come out on November 11 during an event.

Sources have also indicated that all the teams have already been sent the official schedule for the Champions Trophy, and it’ll be just a formality to reveal the fixtures on November 11.