Image: Due to BCCI refusal to send players to Pakistan, next year's Champions Trophy will use a hybrid model / © Vector Seek
In response to the ICC’s decision to host next year’s Champions Trophy in a hybrid model, with India’s matches not taking place in Pakistan, the PCB asked for a similar methodology to be used for ICC events in India. The PCB’s request was accepted, meaning that Pakistan will not travel to India for any ICC events until at least 2027.
Former Indian cricket team opener Aakash Chopra believes that despite a few matches taking place outside Pakistan, the PCB won’t lose much from this model. The debate over the impact of the hybrid model continues. Chopra said:
Pakistan is not losing money. In fact, in this arrangement, Pakistan hasn’t even lost its face. No matter how much they might have talked against the Hybrid Model, they had ultimately agreed, but they have also not walked away empty-handed. It’s now almost confirmed that it will be tit for tat. All matches till 2027 will be in the Hybrid Model. If India are not going to Pakistan, Pakistan will also not come to India and play against India. Pakistan will play their matches in a third country.
As part of the model deal, the ICC has agreed to provide Pakistan with slightly more money than initially planned. This additional funding aims to compensate for the matches not taking place in Pakistan, ensuring the board still benefits financially from the tournament.