Lahore (TDI): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its Indian counterpart have agreed on the “fusion” model as the solution to the deadlock between the two bodies over ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The model will see India play their matches of the event— set to be played in Pakistan from February 19 to Marach 9 — at neutral venues, while Pakistan would do the same when India hosts Women’s World Cup 2025 and T20 World Cup 2026.
The agreement over the “fusion” model finally puts an end to deliberations between the two boards that lasted more than a month with organizers of the International Cricket Council and broadcasters involved.
Although Pakistan were awarded the hosting rights of the Champions Trophy in 2021, the Board of Control for Cricket in India had communicated to the ICC in November about the country’s government’s refusal to send its team across the border for the 8-team tournament.
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The unofficial correspondence had given rise to doubts over the fate of the event while also delaying the announcement of its schedule, which was initially set for November 20.
The “fusion” model was proposed by the PCB as a tit-for-tat version of the hybrid model, which India preferred to be adopted before the PCB, supported by the government of Pakistan, demanded things to be done on equal terms.
The BCCI had referred the “fusion” model to the Indian government and got its approval, according to Dawn.
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The ICC will announce the decision in a few days.
The “fusion” model will also be implemented even if both Pakistan and India qualify for the semi-final or final of ICC’s tournaments until 2027, the year which marks the end of the current ICC media rights deal.
