DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has formally approved the ‘fusion formula’, proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 and upcoming events, hosted by either country, reports claimed.
According to Indian media, the decision was made during an unofficial meeting of the apex cricket governing body.
As a result, India will now play their matches of the eight-team tournament in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In return, the green shirts will not travel to India for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and thus their matches will take place in Sri Lanka – the co-host of the tournament – including the blockbuster Indo-Pak clash.
Whereas, the decision regarding the knockout matches of that event will be made closer to the time.
Reports further suggested that the PCB will not receive any financial compensation for agreeing to the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025 but it has been awarded the hosting rights of an ICC women’s tournament after 2027.
Notably, both PCB and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have already reached the agreement, in principle, for the aforementioned formula.
Meanwhile, sources claimed that ICC is most likely to make an official announcement regarding the Champions Trophy in the next 24 hours.
“Discussions regarding Champions Trophy are underway,” said an ICC source.
“As soon as the matters are settled, it will be announced through a press release. Everything will be clear in the next 24 hours,” it added.
For the unversed, the eight-team tournament will run from February 19 to March 9, however, the complete schedule of the event is yet to be announced.
Sohail Imran Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.
