Champions Trophy 2025 set to have hybrid model? Dubai in running to host the finals if India don’t tour Pakistan: Reports

According to reports carried by the leading newspaper, Telegraph, Champions Trophy 2025 could see Dubai host the finals. The latest development comes into place if India doesn’t tour Pakistan. Dubai could host the massive game if India reaches the final of the tournament in March next year. 

This is also a fair indicator that the tournament could be held in Hybrid model. Asia Cup 2023 was also held in Hybrid Model as India didn’t tour Pakistan. The last time Champions Trophy was played in 2017. England had hosted the last two editions with India winning the title in 2013 and Pakistan winning in 2017. 

ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY FINAL COULD BE IN DUBAI...!!!! 🏆

- Two venues could be prepared for the CT final as if India qualifies into the final then Dubai could host orelse Lahore will host the final. [The Telegraph] pic.twitter.com/l7WOYcJI3j

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 8, 2024

Eight teams are set to take part in a mini-world cup of sorts. Apart from India and Pakistan, the likes of England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan are part of the tournament. 

Group A has India and Pakistan along with Bangladesh and New Zealand. Group B has Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan. Rohit Sharma will get chance to bring yet another ICC title to the cabinet after winning the T20 World Cup earlier this year. 

Mohsin Naqvi hopeful of hosting India next year

Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi addressed the media recently in Lahore and said “The Indian team should come. I don't see them cancelling or postponing coming here and we are confident we will host all the teams in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan,"

The PCB chief also said “The stadiums will also be ready to host the matches on schedule and any remaining work would be completed after the tournament. In a way, you can say that we are going to have a brand new stadium." Former Pakistani batting great Zaheer Abbas had requested Team India to tour Pakistan.

India’s foreign minister Mr. Jaishankar is set to tour Pakistan for the SCO Summit which is set to take place on 15th and 16th of October. While it isn’t clear if Mohsin Naqvi will meet Mr. Jaishankar but a meeting could either make or break Pakistan’s hopes of hosting India for the first time since 2008.