ICC approves hybrid Champions Trophy model, Pakistan won’t travel to India in 2026
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy, with matches to be hosted in Pakistan and Dubai following an agreement between the PCB and BCCI.
Additionally, both boards have reached a consensus on the 2026 T20 World Cup, deciding that Pakistan will not travel to India for the league-stage clash against India, which will instead be held in Colombo.
While the PCB will not receive any financial compensation for this arrangement, they have secured hosting rights for an ICC Women’s tournament after 2027. The agreement has been well-received by all stakeholders, ensuring smooth planning for these marquee events while addressing logistical and geopolitical concerns.
The PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) will host the Champions Trophy in 2025, with Pakistan scheduled to host 10 matches of the tournament. However, all three of India’s league matches, including the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan, will be held in Dubai. Additionally, the semifinal and final of the tournament are also slated to take place in Dubai. If India is eliminated after the league stage, the semifinal and final will instead be held in Lahore and Rawalpindi in Pakistan.
Previously, the PCB had demanded that if India refuses to travel to Pakistan for the ICC event, they would reciprocate by not traveling to India for the T20 World Cup in 2026, which will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the BCCI. The PCB proposed playing their matches in Colombo. Meanwhile, the venues for the semifinal and final of the 2027 T20 World Cup will be decided at a later date.
The 2025 Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, with eight teams divided into two groups. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, followed by the final. This hybrid hosting format echoes the approach used during the Men’s 50-over Asia Cup last year, where Pakistan hosted the tournament. India’s matches, including the semifinal and final, were held in Colombo.