According to all media reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has denied accepting the BCCI’s “hybrid model” for the 2025 Champions Trophy. The PCB reportedly agreed with the BCCI’s suggestion that the Indian cricket team play its games at a neutral location. However, PCB sources told Sports Takthat the two cricket boards have not spoken about the hybrid model at all and no such plans are being made for the competition. Pakistan has insisted that Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi should host the competition.
“There is no consideration of the hybrid model. Its position has remained unchanged, according to documentation. Stories are filed with sources X, Y, and Z listed. To get some views, people file anything. We still have not made a decision regarding the Champions Trophy. We are standing our ground,” a PCB source stated.
Political tensions have prevented the two teams from playing each other in a bilateral series for over ten years. Although India has not confirmed whether they will visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy next year, Pakistan did visit India for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
A brisk visa issuance policy for Indian fans wishing to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy early next year was previously promised by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Federal Interior Minister.
He gave the guarantees while meeting with a group of American Sikh pilgrims.
According to Naqvi, the PCB was anticipating a favourable reaction from Indian supporters who would travel to Pakistan to watch the Champions Trophy.
According to a newspaper, Naqvi stated, “We will be keeping a special quota of tickets for Indian fans and we will try to make the visa issuance policy brisk.” According to Naqvi, the PCB is in favour of Indian supporters travelling to Pakistan to watch the India vs. Pakistan game in Lahore.