Beyond the Boundary | Will PCB adopt hybrid model for Champions Trophy after India's refusal?

A recent episode of ' Beyond The Boundary ,' which aired on November 12, focused on the future of the ICC Champions Trophy . The episode featured a panel of experts who discussed this significant topic.

Chetan Narula hosted the episode, leading the conversation with insights from Times of India's Sports Group Editor K Shriniwas Rao , Manuja Veerappa and Gaurav Gupta.

The panel provided a comprehensive analysis of the Champions Trophy's overall landscape. They discussed the tournament's future, whether it presented scheduling challenges within the ICC calendar, and if it was a broader concern for cricket governing bodies.

One point of discussion was the likelihood of India's participation in the tournament if it were to be held in Pakistan . The panel acknowledged that it was an open secret that India would not travel to Pakistan for the tournament. This was despite plans and stadium modifications.

Ultimately, the decision would rest with the Indian government. The panel expected that the Indian men's team would not play in Pakistan.

K Shriniwas Rao said, "This was never BCCI 's decision in the first place, BCCI is literally persona non grata because this is a bilateral issue between two countries. BCCI is too small a thing to take a decision on these lines so this is not BCCI's decision neither today nor in 2023 when Asia Cup was being debated, nor was in 2023 when Pakistan visited India."

"From that standpoint, it is not the BCCI's decision in any manner. Going forward it is right that India will not travel to Pakistan. There's a hundred percent confirmation that India will not go to Pakistan" he added.

K Shriniwas Rao believed that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 would adopt a hybrid format, similar to the Asia Cup. This format would see matches divided between Pakistan and the UAE.

“One semi-final and the final would be hosted in the UAE, regardless of whether India reached the final. The decision regarding the final venue would be made in advance,” he added.

K Shriniwas Rao suggested that Pakistan would not withdraw from the ICC Champions Trophy. The participation fees represented a significant sum, and Pakistan would receive the full hosting fees. If Pakistan backs out then India will be happy to host the ICC Champions Trophy.