The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly indicated its willingness to adopt a hybrid model for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan. However, the PCB’s willingness comes with a significant condition: the International Cricket Council (ICC) must implement the hybrid model uniformly for all its global events until 2031.
This proposal, as reported by a PCB source to the Press Trust of India (PTI), could have far-reaching implications for cricketing diplomacy, tournament logistics, and the sport’s future in politically sensitive regions.
The hybrid model was introduced earlier in 2023 to address the complexities of hosting the Asia Cup amidst strained relations between India and Pakistan. It allowed matches to be played in multiple venues, accommodating teams that faced logistical or security concerns about traveling to certain countries.
The PCB’s current stance suggests it sees the hybrid model as a feasible solution for mitigating geopolitical challenges, but its insistence on uniform application raises questions about fairness, practicality, and cricket’s larger role in fostering international camaraderie.
Cricket, particularly in the South Asian context, has often been influenced by political dynamics. The rivalry between India and Pakistan extends far beyond the cricket field, rooted in historical and political tensions. This animosity has led to a near-total freeze in bilateral cricketing ties since 2012, with the two nations only meeting in ICC tournaments or Asia Cup matches held in neutral venues.
The decision to award Pakistan hosting rights for the Champions Trophy 2025 was seen as a significant step toward integrating the nation back into regular international cricket hosting. Pakistan has been largely deprived of hosting major tournaments due to security concerns following the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore.
While the PCB has successfully staged several bilateral series and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in recent years, the Champions Trophy would mark its first major ICC event in over two decades.
However, India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan for cricketing commitments continues to be a sticking point. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has cited security concerns and governmental restrictions, suggesting that Indian players are unlikely to participate in events hosted solely in Pakistan. This situation mirrors the Asia Cup 2023, where a hybrid model was implemented, with most matches held in Sri Lanka and a few in Pakistan.
The PCB’s latest proposal appears to be a strategic maneuver aimed at ensuring parity in ICC policies. By advocating for the hybrid model’s application to all ICC events through 2031, the PCB seeks to ensure that it does not bear disproportionate logistical or financial burdens while hosting events. This approach also reflects the board’s attempt to safeguard Pakistan’s rights as a legitimate cricketing host amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges.
The hybrid model’s adoption for the Champions Trophy could see matches split between Pakistan and a neutral venue, such as Dubai. The UAE has historically served as a neutral ground for Indo-Pak cricket matches, given its proximity to both nations and established infrastructure. However, the PCB’s insistence on uniformity in policy highlights broader concerns about fairness and consistency in cricket governance.
The Implications of Uniform Hybrid Model Implementation
1. Level Playing Field for Hosts
The PCB’s demand for uniform application of the hybrid model underscores its concern that selective implementation could unfairly disadvantage certain hosts. For example, if Pakistan is forced to share hosting rights for security reasons, similar considerations should apply to other nations facing logistical or political challenges. This could include countries like India, where political sensitivities have occasionally impacted international cricket, or Australia and England, where strict visa policies have posed challenges for teams from the subcontinent.
2. Impact on Tournament Logistics
Implementing a hybrid model across all ICC events would necessitate significant adjustments to tournament planning. Factors such as travel schedules, broadcasting arrangements, and fan engagement would need to be carefully managed to maintain the quality and appeal of global tournaments. While hybrid hosting could enhance participation by accommodating teams with security concerns, it may also increase costs and logistical complexities.
3. Geopolitical Considerations
Cricket has long been viewed as a bridge between nations, offering a platform for diplomacy and cultural exchange. However, the hybrid model’s widespread adoption could reinforce divisions rather than fostering unity. If teams consistently avoid traveling to certain nations, it may set a precedent that undermines the ICC’s efforts to promote cricket as a unifying force.
4. Financial Implications
Sharing hosting rights can dilute the revenue generated by ticket sales, sponsorships, and local broadcasting deals. For a cricket board like the PCB, which relies heavily on hosting rights to generate revenue, this could have long-term financial implications. The ICC would need to establish clear guidelines for revenue-sharing to ensure that all hosts are fairly compensated.
The ICC’s Role and Potential Response
The ICC, as cricket’s global governing body, faces the challenging task of balancing the interests of its member boards while maintaining the sport’s integrity and global appeal. The PCB’s proposal places the ICC in a delicate position, as agreeing to uniform hybrid hosting could set a precedent that complicates future tournaments.
The ICC would need to weigh several factors before making a decision:
- Consistency and Fairness: Ensuring that all member boards are subject to the same policies is crucial for maintaining credibility and trust within the cricketing community.
- Practicality: The feasibility of implementing a hybrid model across diverse tournaments, from the T20 World Cup to the 50-over World Cup and Champions Trophy, would need to be thoroughly assessed.
- Stakeholder Interests: Broadcasters, sponsors, and fans are key stakeholders in international cricket. Their preferences and expectations would play a significant role in determining the viability of hybrid hosting.
- Geopolitical Sensitivities: The ICC must navigate the complex interplay of politics and sports, ensuring that cricket remains a unifying force rather than a divisive one.
For Pakistan, hosting the Champions Trophy is not just about cricket—it is a matter of national pride and a testament to its resilience in overcoming security challenges. The PCB’s proactive stance on the hybrid model reflects its determination to safeguard Pakistan’s status as a legitimate cricketing host while addressing the practical realities of modern geopolitics.
In recent years, Pakistan has made significant strides in restoring its reputation as a safe and welcoming cricketing destination. The successful organization of the PSL, bilateral series against top teams like Australia and England, and the Asia Cup matches in 2023 have demonstrated the nation’s capability to host high-profile events. The Champions Trophy represents the next step in this journey, offering Pakistan an opportunity to showcase its passion for cricket on a global stage.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Global Cricket?
The PCB’s conditional acceptance of the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy highlights the evolving dynamics of international cricket in a politically charged world. While the hybrid model offers a practical solution to security and logistical challenges, its widespread adoption could fundamentally alter the nature of cricket tournaments.
For the ICC, the decision to implement a uniform hybrid hosting policy will require careful consideration of fairness, feasibility, and the sport’s larger mission of fostering global unity. For Pakistan, the Champions Trophy is not just an opportunity to host a prestigious tournament but a chance to reaffirm its place in the cricketing world.
As cricket continues to navigate the complexities of geopolitics, the PCB’s proposal could mark a turning point in how the sport adapts to an increasingly interconnected and polarized world. Whether this leads to greater inclusivity or deepens existing divisions remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the future of cricket will be shaped as much by diplomacy and governance as by the action on the field.
Cricket, particularly in South Asia, is a passion that transcends boundaries, but political tensions often overshadow this shared love. The ICC’s upcoming tournaments scheduled from 2025 to 2031 are emblematic of this challenge, with the shadow of Indo-Pak relations looming large.
The implementation of hybrid hosting models, a solution initially devised for the Asia Cup 2023, has now emerged as a potential framework for navigating political and logistical complexities in international cricket. Mubashir Usmani, the chairman of the ICC’s Associate Members’ Committee and head of the Emirates Cricket Board, has become a key figure in discussions about applying this model uniformly across the ICC’s events over the next decade.
Between 2025 and 2031, the ICC calendar features four major tournaments: the Women’s ODI World Cup in 2025, the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026, the Champions Trophy in 2025, and the ODI World Cup in 2031.
While the hybrid model is a contentious topic for the Champions Trophy, logistical challenges in the T20 and ODI World Cups are less likely due to India’s co-hosting arrangements with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. However, Pakistan’s participation in events hosted partially or entirely by India remains a sensitive issue. It also raises broader questions about how hybrid models may impact cricket’s growth, governance, and the ICC’s ability to manage politically fraught situations.
The Women’s ODI World Cup, set to be hosted in India in 2025, is perhaps the least contentious event in this lineup. Historically, women’s cricket has not faced the same level of political scrutiny as the men’s game, and tournaments involving Pakistan have proceeded with fewer interruptions.
Nonetheless, with Indo-Pak relations as volatile as ever, there remains a hypothetical risk that Pakistan may refuse to travel to India if tensions escalate. Such a scenario could compel the ICC to consider a neutral venue for Pakistan’s matches, mirroring the hybrid approach employed for the Asia Cup. However, the likelihood of such an arrangement appears slim, as the Women’s World Cup has traditionally been less contentious, and India’s hosting capabilities are robust.
For the ICC, the Women’s World Cup represents an opportunity to promote inclusivity and gender equality in cricket. Ensuring smooth participation from all teams, including Pakistan, will be crucial to reinforcing this vision. In this context, the hybrid model may serve as a contingency plan rather than a necessity, ensuring that the tournament proceeds without disruptions while emphasizing cricket’s unifying ethos.
The Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled for 2026, is set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with Bangladesh potentially joining as a third co-host. This collaboration between neighboring nations minimizes the risk of logistical challenges and ensures that the tournament benefits from established cricketing infrastructure. For Pakistan, however, participation in an event hosted partly in India could reignite political and security concerns, similar to those currently surrounding the Champions Trophy 2025.
In this case, the hybrid model’s application appears less likely, as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh provide viable venues for matches involving Pakistan. If Pakistan’s government prohibits the team from traveling to India, the ICC could allocate Pakistan’s group-stage matches to venues outside India, ensuring their participation without compromising the tournament’s schedule. This arrangement would align with the ICC’s commitment to inclusivity while respecting political realities.
From a logistical perspective, the T20 World Cup format lends itself to such flexibility. With its shorter duration and smaller number of matches compared to the ODI format, the tournament can accommodate multi-venue arrangements with minimal disruptions. However, the ICC must remain cautious about the precedent this sets, as selective hosting arrangements could undermine its long-term goal of fostering unity through cricket.
As the ICC navigates the complexities of hybrid hosting, it must focus on creating a framework that not only addresses the immediate challenges of Indo-Pak relations but also ensures the long-term sustainability of international cricket. This involves addressing logistical, financial, and diplomatic concerns while preserving the core values of the sport.
One of the most critical steps for the ICC is to establish clear and transparent guidelines for the implementation of hybrid hosting models. These guidelines must outline the circumstances under which hybrid hosting can be employed, the process for selecting neutral venues, and the revenue-sharing arrangements between the primary host and neutral venue organizers.
By codifying these principles, the ICC can ensure consistency and fairness in decision-making. For instance, if hybrid hosting becomes necessary due to political tensions or security concerns, the selection of neutral venues should follow a standardized process that takes into account factors such as infrastructure, proximity, and financial viability.
Additionally, the ICC should work with member boards to ensure that hybrid hosting does not disproportionately disadvantage certain nations. Smaller cricketing nations, which lack the financial and logistical resources of countries like India, Australia, or England, must be given adequate support to host matches under hybrid arrangements.
Revenue-sharing remains a contentious issue in hybrid hosting arrangements. For host nations like Pakistan, the financial impact of sharing matches with a neutral venue can be significant. Ticket sales, broadcasting rights, and sponsorship deals are key revenue streams that are diluted when matches are moved to a neutral location.
To address this, the ICC could explore revenue redistribution mechanisms that compensate host nations for the loss of earnings. For example, a portion of the revenue generated from matches held at neutral venues could be allocated to the primary host as compensation. Alternatively, the ICC could create a central fund to subsidize the financial losses incurred by member boards due to hybrid hosting.The security of players, officials, and fans is a paramount concern for the ICC. In politically sensitive regions like South Asia, the perception of inadequate security can deter teams from participating in tournaments, leading to disruptions. To address this, the ICC must work closely with local governments and security agencies to ensure that comprehensive measures are in place for all tournaments.
For hybrid hosting models, this includes conducting detailed risk assessments for all potential venues, including neutral locations. The ICC must also ensure that logistical arrangements, such as transportation and accommodation, are seamless, particularly when teams are required to travel between host nations and neutral venues during a tournament.
Cricket has historically served as a diplomatic bridge between nations, particularly in the context of Indo-Pak relations. While hybrid hosting models provide a practical solution for addressing political tensions, the ICC must also prioritize initiatives that promote dialogue and collaboration between member boards.
This could involve organizing bilateral series or joint training camps in neutral venues, fostering greater interaction between players and officials from rival nations. By emphasizing the unifying power of cricket, the ICC can help mitigate the divisions that currently hinder the sport’s growth in politically sensitive regions.Neutral venues, such as the UAE, have played a pivotal role in international cricket over the past two decades, particularly for Indo-Pak matches. While these venues provide a practical solution for addressing security and political concerns, their increasing prominence has raised questions about the long-term impact on cricket’s identity and fan engagement.
Neutral venues often lack the passionate, homegrown atmosphere that defines cricket in the subcontinent. Matches held in the UAE, for instance, attract sizable crowds but rarely replicate the intensity of a game played in Lahore, Mumbai, or Kolkata. This disconnect can impact the viewing experience for fans and diminish the cultural significance of major tournaments.
To address this, the ICC must strike a balance between practicality and tradition. While neutral venues are indispensable for hybrid hosting arrangements, they should not become the default solution for resolving political disputes. Instead, the ICC should encourage greater collaboration between host nations to ensure that tournaments retain their cultural and historical significance.
The ICC’s mission extends beyond organizing tournaments; it is also responsible for fostering unity and inclusivity in cricket. The challenges posed by hybrid hosting arrangements provide an opportunity for the ICC to reaffirm its commitment to these values.
For example, the ICC could use its tournaments as platforms for promoting peace and understanding between rival nations. This could involve symbolic gestures, such as joint team photographs, pre-match ceremonies celebrating shared cricketing heritage, or collaborative fan engagement initiatives.
Additionally, the ICC should leverage its global influence to advocate for the depoliticization of sports. While the organization cannot directly influence government policies, it can work with international bodies, such as the United Nations, to promote the idea of sport as a tool for diplomacy and conflict resolution.
The ICC’s tournaments from 2025 to 2031 represent a defining period for international cricket. As the sport navigates the complexities of hybrid hosting, it must balance immediate logistical challenges with its long-term vision of inclusivity, equity, and growth.
The Champions Trophy 2025, in particular, will serve as a litmus test for the ICC’s ability to manage political tensions while preserving the integrity of its tournaments. If successfully implemented, hybrid hosting models could provide a template for addressing similar challenges in the future. However, their adoption must be accompanied by clear guidelines, equitable revenue-sharing mechanisms, and a renewed emphasis on cricket’s role as a unifying force.
Ultimately, the ICC’s decisions in the coming years will shape not only the future of its tournaments but also the broader narrative of cricket as a global sport. By fostering collaboration, promoting inclusivity, and addressing the concerns of its member boards, the ICC can ensure that cricket continues to thrive as a beacon of hope and unity in an increasingly divided world.
Cricket is more than a sport—it is a cultural phenomenon that bridges diverse communities, countries, and ideologies. The International Cricket Council (ICC), as the governing body of world cricket, holds the unique responsibility of nurturing the sport while adapting to the evolving political, social, and economic realities of the global landscape.
The decisions made by the ICC between 2025 and 2031 will not only influence the immediate future of its flagship tournaments but also determine cricket’s long-term trajectory as a force for unity and progress.
