The International Cricket Council (ICC) has finally made a crucial decision regarding the upcoming 2024 Champions Trophy. In a move that has been eagerly awaited by fans and stakeholders, the ICC has approved a hybrid model for the tournament, which will see India and Pakistan face off at a neutral venue. This decision comes after India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the event due to security concerns.
PCB Initially Rejected Hybrid Model, But Agreed To Compromise
The PCB had initially rejected the hybrid model but later agreed to this solution for ICC competitions. The hybrid model ensures that both India and Pakistan can compete in global events without the need for one side to travel to the other’s country, which had been a source of contention in recent years.
“It’s now almost confirmed that it will be tit for tat. All matches till 2027 will be in the Hybrid Model. If India are not going to Pakistan, Pakistan will also not come to India and play against India. Pakistan will play their matches in a third country,” he added.
“Pakistan Not Losing Any Money”: Says Chopra
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra was of the view that the hybrid model may present certain advantages for Pakistan. In fact, Chopra felt that agreement guaranteed that both India and Pakistan were treated on the same level and that there would be no security or diplomatic hassles while making their appearance in ICC events.
“Pakistan is not losing money. In fact, in this arrangement, Pakistan hasn’t even lost its face. No matter how much they might have talked against the Hybrid Model, they had ultimately agreed, but they have also not walked away empty-handed.”
Women’s World Cup & T20 World Cup Also Affected
This hybrid model is just not for the Champions Trophy, it extends to the Women’s World Cup that India will host next year, and to the Men’s T20 World Cup scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in 2026. This model will be extended to other future tournaments as well, although it remains to be seen if Pakistan will also stick to this model for hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028.
A Glance Back: 2017 Champions Trophy Final
The last Champions Trophy was played back in 2017 with England and Wales as its hosts. Pakistan had eventually won the final against India by a huge margin of 180 runs, securing their very first Champions Trophy.
