Champions Trophy to Be Held Under ‘Partnership or Fusion Formula’ in Pakistan

Islamabad: The ICC Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan under a ‘Partnership or Fusion Formula,’ with most of the key issues now resolved. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sources confirmed that significant progress has been made, and the matters are expected to be finalized by Saturday.
The tournament is scheduled to take place in Pakistan early next year, but its hosting was jeopardized when India refused to tour Pakistan, leading to uncertainty about the event. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had demanded a hybrid model, proposing that its matches be played in the UAE. The PCB, however, took a firm stance, emphasizing that it was no longer acceptable for Pakistan to tour India while India continuously avoided touring Pakistan. Both boards have now agreed to engage in discussions based on mutual equality.
Under the ‘Partnership or Fusion Formula,’ it has been proposed that for the next three years, any ICC event hosted in either country will see teams playing their matches at neutral venues. Several additional conditions have been placed, and extensive negotiations have been ongoing.
Recently, PCB officials, including COO Sameer Syed and former COO Salman Nasir, traveled to Dubai for talks, and sources confirm that an agreement has been reached. According to the new arrangement, Pakistan will remain the host for next year’s Champions Trophy. However, India will play its matches in the UAE. If India qualifies for the semi-finals or finals, those matches will also be played in Dubai. In the event that India does not qualify, the final match will be held in Lahore.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has given its approval for this arrangement. Additionally, India is set to co-host the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup with Sri Lanka. Pakistan will also avoid traveling to India and will play its matches at Sri Lankan venues.
The PCB had initially proposed a triangular tournament in the UAE to compensate for the financial loss from India’s absence, which would have included Pakistan, India, and a third team. However, an agreement on this suggestion could not be reached.
Looking ahead, the PCB is expected to host the ICC Women’s Event in 2027, with most of the related matters also agreed upon. PCB sources have confirmed that the final details will be settled by Saturday, with India’s acceptance of Pakistan’s demands being a key development.
Despite the positive progress, PCB officials emphasized that they would not believe in any promises until the agreements are formally signed, and that they are unwilling to back down from their demands. They also expressed confidence that the situation would not escalate further.
ICC sources indicated that discussions are still ongoing, and an official announcement will be made through a media release, though no definitive timeline for this announcement has been given.