The Champions Trophy 2025 is expected to adopt a hybrid model in February-March, with India unlikely to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, reported an Indian media outlet citing informed sources.
India has not engaged in bilateral cricket with Pakistan since the 2012-13 season and has refrained from visiting Pakistan since 2008.
Pakistan holds the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy, with plans to potentially host some matches in the UAE or Sri Lanka, as per India Today.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) submitted a draft schedule to the International Cricket Council (ICC) in June, proposing Lahore as the venue for India’s matches, including the high-profile clash between the arch-rivals on March 1. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not officially confirmed their travel plans yet.
“It is highly improbable that the team will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, pending a final decision by the government. Therefore, we are considering a hybrid model where India may play their matches in the UAE or Sri Lanka, similar to the approach taken for the Asia Cup. The ICC will also weigh in on this matter, but for now, this is our plan. We’ll have to wait and see how things unfold. Currently, it seems likely that the tournament will proceed in a hybrid format,” the source commented.
Last year, Pakistan had to adopt a hybrid model for the Asia Cup after India declined to travel to Pakistan. India’s matches were held in Sri Lanka, where Rohit Sharma’s team eventually emerged as champions. The tournament preceded the ODI World Cup, during which Pakistan did travel to India to compete.
