India’s decision to compel the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) into accepting the hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 appears to have come at a cost. According to a Times of India report, neither India nor Pakistan will engage in bilateral tours of each other’s countries until at least 2027.
While Pakistan is unlikely to face significant consequences, given India’s prolonged absence from touring their nation, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) could face considerable setbacks. With India-Pakistan encounters being marquee events, Pakistan’s non-participation in ICC tournaments hosted in India is poised to result in substantial financial and viewership losses for the BCCI.
According to reports, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to issue an official statement regarding this development and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. These announcements are scheduled for December 7th, following the postponement of the ICC meeting originally planned for Thursday, December 5th.
It has been revealed that neither India nor Pakistan will engage in tours to each other’s nations for any cricketing events, whether under the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) or ICC, until 2027. As a result, the two cricketing arch-rivals are likely to continue participating in tournaments under the hybrid model until the conclusion of the current media rights cycle.
India is prepared to host several important competitions through 2027.
This development represents a significant setback for the India National Cricket Team and the BCCI, particularly as they are scheduled to host several high-profile tournaments through 2027. India is set to host the Women’s World Cup and the Asia Cup next year, along with the 2026 T20 World Cup on home soil.
The absence of Pakistan from matches held in India is expected to result in substantial financial losses for the BCCI and broadcasting partners. While there is potential for change beyond the current media rights cycle, the prospects for future India-Pakistan fixtures remain uncertain due to ongoing political tensions, casting doubts over the revival of bilateral cricketing ties.
The PCB has firmly stated that if the ICC intends to hold the Champions Trophy under the hybrid format, the same arrangement must apply to all other tournaments. Additionally, the PCB proposed a tri-series involving India, Pakistan, and a third team at a neutral venue, likely the UAE. However, both the ICC and BCCI appear unwilling to entertain this suggestion, and the proposal is expected to be dismissed during the upcoming meeting.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is slated to make its much-anticipated return next year, marking the first edition of the tournament since 2017. Pakistan is set to host the first ICC event since the ODI World Cup 1996 The event’s schedule is expected to be officially unveiled on December 7th, following the conclusion of the ICC meeting.
Jasir Basharat is a cricket enthusiast capturing the heart of the game through insightful analysis and storytelling sharing his passion for the sport through engaging narratives. He is a business graduate from University of Kashmir.
