Amid the controversies of Champions Trophy 2025, PCB has recently announced their acceptance for the hybrid model. However, they have put up some conditions which primarily includes making all the ICC tournaments hosted by India and Pakistan hybrid until 2031.
Though the demand made by PCB seems very logical, BCCI has shown several reservations regarding this proposal.
The Indian Cricket Board emphasizes that the hybrid model for CT is being implemented because of the security concerns inside Pakistan, the hosting country.
They also claim that India is free from any such security concerns with a record of hosting safe and successful series and tournaments over the years. Therefore, it makes no sense to put the ICC tournaments hosted by India into the hassle of adopting a hybrid model.
A major concern with hybrid models is that it makes the logistics very complex. Events organized by ICC require efficient management to ensure fair play, operational efficiency, and audience satisfaction.
Moreover, it makes scheduling, traveling as well as broadcasting very difficult. Thus, BCCI is persistent about not accepting the hybrid model for future ICC events. They call it an unnecessary demand and claim it would impact the tournaments’ success and popularity.
Before the meeting held last Saturday, PCB was very firm about their decision for not accepting the hybrid model. However, with the constant resistance shown by BCCI and the ICC’s threats about shifting the entire Champions Trophy to a neutral venue, they had very little choice but to accept.
But with BCCI resisting their demand of shifting all the upcoming events including men’s and women’s international tournaments hosted by India to a hybrid model, we can only hope where the tables turn and how ICC will handle the situation further.