PCB not looking to accept hybrid model for Champions Trophy 2025

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is looming on the horizon, and the marquee tournament is all set to be hosted by Pakistan. In recent times, the BCCI has often refused to travel to Pakistan due to the political tensions between the two countries. 

The 2023 Asia Cup, which was originally slated to be held in Pakistan, was moved to a hybrid model after the BCCI refused to travel. Team India played their games in Sri Lanka, and the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) is looking to avoid the tournament being moved to a hybrid model this time around as well.  and went on to win the tournament as well. However, the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) is looking to avoid the tournament being moved to a hybrid model this time around as well. 

The PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, came forward and opined that the PCB is not ready to accept any type of hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025. He also revealed that the board has not received any communication from the BCCI regarding their travel to Pakistan. 

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025 fixtures likely to be announced next week

"In the last two months, the Indian media has been reporting that India isn't travelling. I discussed this with them and my team, and our stance is clear: they need to give us in writing any objections they may have. Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one,” Naqvi was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. 

He also stated that Pakistan has shown ‘great gestures’ towards India, referring to the Men in Green’s travel to India for the ODI World Cup 2023, despite them not travelling to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023.

"If we get a letter from India, I'll have to go to my government and abide by their decisions. Pakistan has shown great gestures to India in the past, and we'd like to say clearly that India shouldn't expect such friendly gestures from us every time [if they refuse to come],” Naqvi said.

It has been reported that the BCCI is yet to discuss their travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy internally. However, the Indian board’s stance remains clear, as they are looking for the Indian government’s approval for travel.