The Champions Trophy is facing a significant roadblock as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) demand to not play matches in India during the tournament. The PCB had previously agreed to a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy, proposing that Pakistan not play any matches in India during the 2026 T20 World Cup, which India will co-host with Sri Lanka. However, the BCCI firmly stated that they would not accept this arrangement, asserting there are no security threats in India and dismissing any suggestions of a hybrid format for future tournaments.
The BCCI's stance Indicates a belief that there is no valid reason to alter the tournament’s structure based on security concerns, emphasizing India’s safety as a host for international cricket. This disagreement over the hybrid model has broader implications for future ICC tournaments, as both boards look ahead to major events. India is set to host several significant tournaments in the coming years, including the Women’s ODI World Cup next year and the T20 World Cup in 2026. The PCB had hoped that a successful compromise regarding the Champions Trophy would set a precedent for future events, but the BCCI’s rejection complicates matters significantly.