The hybrid model proposes that matches involving India and Pakistan during ICC tournaments hosted by either nation will be played at neutral venues. This arrangement, if adopted, would apply to events until 2027, with potential extensions to the 2031 commercial cycle. While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to officially confirm the deal, sources indicate ongoing discussions to finalize the framework.
Hybrid Model: A Way Forward for India-Pakistan Matches
The proposed agreement emerged during a meeting between ICC Chair Jay Shah and PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi in Dubai. Shah, visiting the ICC headquarters for the first time in his new role, facilitated discussions to address the impasse over India’s participation in Pakistan-hosted tournaments.
Under this model, India’s matches in the 2025 Champions Trophy, scheduled for February in Pakistan, will likely be held in neutral venues like the UAE or Sri Lanka. If India progresses to the knockout stages, key matches such as a semi-final or final might also move outside Pakistan.
The PCB, however, has set conditions for adopting the hybrid approach. One critical demand is for the hybrid model to apply uniformly to all ICC events hosted in Pakistan and India, including women’s tournaments, until 2027.
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Financial Considerations and Alternatives
A major sticking point is financial compensation for revenue losses. The PCB fears a dip in commercial income if India’s games are shifted to neutral venues. To address this, the PCB has proposed organizing a tri-nation series involving India, Pakistan, and another team to offset potential financial losses for both boards.
The ICC Board is expected to discuss these terms further at its upcoming meeting on December 7. A final decision could pave the way for a detailed schedule of the Champions Trophy, which has been delayed due to India’s inability to secure government clearance to travel to Pakistan.
Upcoming ICC Events and the Hybrid Model’s Impact
The hybrid model could impact three major tournaments in the current ICC commercial cycle:
- The 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
- The 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup in India.
- The 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The agreement also represents a broader effort to stabilize cricketing ties between India and Pakistan, ensuring that political tensions do not derail ICC tournaments.
Jay Shah Promises a “New Era” for Cricket
Jay Shah, the youngest ICC Chair at 36, emphasized his vision of taking cricket to “unprecedented heights.” During his first media interaction in this role, Shah called for collaboration among member nations to shape the game’s future.
The ICC, under Shah’s leadership, appears committed to balancing political sensitivities with the commercial and sporting needs of global cricket. For fans, the hybrid model could mean fewer disruptions to marquee events involving two of cricket’s most passionate fanbases.
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