ICC approves hybrid model for India and Pakistan matches in upcoming tournaments

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has agreed on a hybrid model for upcoming ICC events, which will see India playing its ICC Champions Trophy 2025 matches at neutral venues. This decision, confirmed by a report from Cricinfo, also affects Pakistan, with both countries set to play their respective matches at neutral locations in ICC tournaments hosted by each other until 2027.

According to the report, this agreement applies to several high-profile events within the 2024-2027 event cycle. The resolution, which is expected to be voted on by the ICC board, stipulates that all matches involving India at events hosted in Pakistan will be played at neutral venues. Similarly, Pakistan’s matches in tournaments hosted by India will also be held at neutral locations. This includes the 2025 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan, the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup in India, and the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Despite this resolution, uncertainty remains over the venue for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, should India advance to the final. Pakistan had previously proposed Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore as a possible venue for the grand finale.

In addition, the hybrid model may extend to the 2028 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which has been awarded to Pakistan. The event is set to be the opening competition of the next ICC cycle.

Furthermore, the ICC has no objections to the organisation of a triangular T20I series involving India, Pakistan, and another Asian Full Member country—or potentially an Associate Asian country to make it a quadrangular event—provided that the series is held at a neutral venue. This proposal for a tri-nation series has been put forward as compensation for Pakistan’s loss of hosting India’s Champions Trophy matches.