Champions Trophy Deadlock: PCB Calls for Hybrid Model and Increased Revenue Share
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has softened its stance on hosting the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, agreeing to a hybrid hosting model. However, this acceptance comes with conditions: the International Cricket Council (ICC) must extend the hybrid hosting arrangement to all future events in India until 2031.
According to News 18 quoting PTI, a senior PCB official disclosed that the board is also negotiating for a larger share of the ICC’s annual revenue in exchange for agreeing to the hybrid model. Under this arrangement, India would play its matches, including a high-profile clash against Pakistan, at a neutral venue like Dubai due to security concerns. The tournament is scheduled for February-March 2025.
The PCB’s current proposal marks a departure from its earlier threat to boycott the Champions Trophy if hosting rights were not granted in full and India’s demand for neutral venues was entertained.
“Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has emphasized that Pakistan will accept the hybrid model only if the ICC ensures the same approach for future events, allowing Pakistan to avoid playing matches in India,” a PCB source revealed.
India is set to host three major ICC men’s events by 2031: the 2026 T20 World Cup (jointly with Sri Lanka), the 2029 Champions Trophy, and the 2031 ODI World Cup (jointly with Bangladesh). The hybrid model, if agreed upon, could exempt Pakistan from traveling to India for these events, with the 2029 Champions Trophy being the most contentious, as it is entirely hosted by India.
The PCB has also demanded an increase in its revenue share, currently at 5.75%, from the ICC’s financial cycle. Naqvi has been firm on this demand but clarified that no additional hosting fees have been sought.
The impasse has delayed the tournament schedule announcement, with the ICC giving Pakistan an ultimatum to either accept the hybrid model or risk exclusion from the tournament.
Despite pressures, Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister, has held his ground, seeking tangible gains for the PCB to justify the decision. This includes financial perks and assurances about future hybrid hosting arrangements.
Naqvi recently met with Emirates Cricket Board chief Mubashir Usmani in Dubai, affirming Pakistan’s readiness to host the Champions Trophy. PCB sources dismissed rumors of a $20 million bonus for conceding to India’s demands, reiterating that Pakistan’s stance is centered on securing the hybrid model for all future ICC events involving India.
The ICC board is expected to address Pakistan’s demands in the coming days, aiming to resolve the deadlock. With tensions high, Naqvi faces potential public backlash if PCB is perceived as yielding without securing meaningful concessions.
