Pakistan Cricket Players Express Concerns Over Hybrid Model in ICC Champions Trophy

As the ICC Champions Trophy returns in 2025, the spotlight will shift to white-ball cricket. However, some former Pakistan cricketers have raised concerns over the tournament’s hybrid format, claiming it gives India an “unfair” edge. While Pakistan is the official host nation, tensions arose when India’s government refused to send its team to Pakistan, resulting in a prolonged standoff. After several rounds of negotiations, an agreement was reached between the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The compromise saw the tournament take on a hybrid model, with India playing all its matches, including the semifinals and final (if they qualify), in Dubai.

In addition, Pakistan’s request for a similar arrangement for the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be hosted by India, was also accepted. While India’s matches will be held in Dubai, the rest of the tournament will be played across three venues in Pakistan: Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. However, some former Pakistan players, like Salim Altaf, have expressed dissatisfaction. Altaf pointed out that India would be the only team to know where they will play the semifinal and final in advance, while other teams will have to wait until after the group stage to find out.