India and Pakistan Agree on Hybrid Model for ICC Event Cycle

In a significant development, India and Pakistan have reached a consensus on a hybrid model for the 2024-27 ICC event cycle, marking a major breakthrough in their cricket relations. The agreement, confirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC), ensures that matches between the two sides at upcoming ICC events, including the 2025 Champions Trophy, will be hosted at neutral venues.

As per the agreement, India's matches in the 2025 men's Champions Trophy, to be hosted by Pakistan, will take place at a neutral venue. In a reciprocal arrangement, Pakistan's matches in ICC events hosted by India from 2024-27, including the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, will also be hosted at a neutral venue. This compromise aims to alleviate tensions and uncertainty surrounding the cricketing relationship between the two nations. The neutral venues will be selected by the host country and approved by the ICC, with options such as the UAE or Sri Lanka being considered for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Additionally, a proposed triangular or quadrangular T20I tournament involving India, Pakistan, and another Asian team, was discussed as part of the deal. However, the details of this arrangement will be negotiated between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which will feature eight teams including hosts Pakistan, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, and South Africa, is set to be a significant event in the cricket calendar.

The agreement marks a significant turning point in the relationship between India and Pakistan, which has been marred by tension and controversy in the past. The move is seen as a step towards normalizing bilateral cricket relations between the two nations, and paved the way for the hosting of various international tournaments, including the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup, at a neutral venue.