The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly set to propose a hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy, originally scheduled to be hosted entirely in Pakistan. This development comes in response to India’s decision not to travel to Pakistan for the eight-team tournament, which is slated for February-March next year.

According to Cricbuzz, the ICC has convened a meeting of its board of directors on November 29 to discuss the venue-related challenges. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to officially announce its stance, reports suggest it has already informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and ICC of its intentions to avoid traveling to Pakistan.

The proposed hybrid model includes hosting 10 matches in Pakistan and five matches, including one semi-final and the final, in a neutral country. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are leading options for these matches, though South Africa remains a potential alternative.

In a potential compromise, the ICC might offer to host both semi-finals and the final in Pakistan if India does not qualify for the latter stages. However, this arrangement could face operational and logistical hurdles. Preparations for venues, including hotel and travel arrangements, would need to be made in advance.

The PCB has previously rejected the concept of a hybrid model, insisting that all matches be held in Pakistan. However, with the majority of the ICC board reportedly favoring the hybrid model, the PCB may face limited options. There is also a possibility that, should the PCB reject the proposal, the ICC board might consider relocating the entire tournament to a different host country.

The decision is expected to have significant implications for cricket diplomacy, with the ICC attempting to balance logistical feasibility and the sensitivities of the participating boards.

Further clarity is anticipated after the ICC board meeting on November 29.