The long-standing dispute over venues for marquee matches between Pakistan and India in ICC tournaments appears to be nearing resolution, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly agreeing “in principle” to the hybrid model proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The final decision is expected to be formalized at the ICC board meeting scheduled for December 7.
The agreement follows a meeting on Thursday between the newly appointed ICC Chairman, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Sources indicate that the two boards agreed on a revised version of the hybrid formula, which will govern matches in ICC events hosted by Pakistan and India through 2027.
This arrangement will apply to key tournaments, including the 2025 Champions Trophy, the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup in India, and the 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. For the 2025 Champions Trophy, India’s matches are likely to be held in Dubai, while the 2026 T20 World Cup matches between the two nations might take place in Sri Lanka.
The hybrid model reflects a compromise, as India continues to decline traveling to Pakistan for ICC events. The PCB initially resisted the proposal but faced limited options due to legal and logistical challenges, including opposition from ICC broadcasters. Proposals to replace India with another team or strip Pakistan of hosting rights were deemed unviable due to the significant investments Pakistan has made in upgrading its cricket infrastructure in Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore.
The model represents a significant step forward, ensuring that bilateral tensions do not overshadow global cricketing events, while preserving Pakistan’s hosting rights for key tournaments.
