Pakistan Agrees To ICC’s Hybrid Model Amid Rising Global Pressures

A good sense has prevailed in the Pakistan government which has given go ahead to its cricket board to accept India’s proposal about a Hybrid Model (playing at a neutral venue like UAE) which will act as a big Saviour to the game of cricket in this country thereby saving the right to host the Champion Trophy. In simple words; finally, the game of cricket has won.

Crores of fans in India and Pakistan are elated over the efforts of the International Cricket Council (ICC) which successfully persuaded the Pakistan Cricket Board to accept an amicable and logical solution of the Hybrid Model (India will play its matches at a neutral venue like UAE). There is no denying the fact that cricket fans do not believe in territorial barriers as they are solely interested in the welfare and evolution of the game. Fans want to witness India versus Pakistan cricket matches which are nicknamed as “virtual emotional war” and guided by feelings of patriotism of respective nations.

PCB, being financially on a weak footing, could have inflicted serious injury through its suicidal act of boycotting the champion trophy owing to India’s rational decision not to send its team to Pakistan which was embedded in high security risks.

As things stand today, Champion Trophy matches will be organized in Pakistan and UAE which has got full infrastructures. ICC may financially compensate Pakistan for warding off its inflated ego of boycotting the trophy and agreeing to the proposal of Hybrid Model because it was mooted by India.

As the Champions Trophy approaches, the focus will shift to how effectively Pakistan manages its share of the tournament. Success will bolster its case for hosting more events in the future, while failure could embolden critics who question its readiness. For now, the PCB has played its cards wisely, ensuring that Pakistan remains a key stakeholder in the global cricketing narrative and the Champions Trophy could serve as a transformative moment for Pakistan’s cricketing and economic landscape.

Pakistan’s Acceptance of the Hybrid Model: A Pragmatic Move to Safeguard Its Cricketing Future

The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to accept the hybrid model for hosting the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy marks a significant shift in its stance. This move reflects not just strategic foresight but also a deep understanding of the dynamics shaping international cricket. By stepping back from its earlier boycott threat, the PCB has displayed maturity and pragmatism, ensuring that Pakistan remains a key player in the cricketing world while securing its hosting rights for one of the sport’s marquee events.

The Hybrid Model: A Win-Win Solution?

Under the hybrid arrangement, matches will be split between Pakistan and a neutral venue, addressing security concerns raised by some teams. This compromise allows Pakistan to host matches domestically, giving its fans an opportunity to witness international cricket while ensuring participation from countries hesitant to travel to Pakistan. The PCB’s insistence that this model be applied reciprocally to events held in India until 2031 underscores its bid for fairness in the global cricketing arena. By linking this acceptance to long-term reciprocity, Pakistan is strategically positioning itself to negotiate future arrangements with greater leverage.

Why Backing Down Was Necessary

The PCB’s initial boycott threat risked isolating Pakistan from the cricketing fraternity, particularly as India holds significant sway in ICC decision-making. Losing the hosting rights would have been a severe blow to Pakistan’s cricketing aspirations, depriving the nation of a rare chance to showcase its capabilities as a safe and world-class venue. Financial losses, diminished fan morale, and potential backlash from sponsors would have compounded the damage. Recognizing this, the PCB opted for a middle path that ensures the tournament’s success while preserving its hosting privileges.

Ensuring the Trophy Stays in Pakistan

By agreeing to the hybrid model, the PCB has effectively safeguarded the Champions Trophy’s presence in Pakistan. This decision ensures that the event proceeds smoothly without the uncertainty of shifting the tournament entirely to another country. It also mitigates potential fallout with the ICC and other member boards, which might have viewed Pakistan’s rigid stance as counterproductive.

Moreover, the move aligns with Pakistan’s broader strategy to rebuild its image as a reliable host for international cricket. With successful recent tours by teams like Australia and England, Pakistan has demonstrated its capacity to organize high-stakes matches. Hosting part of the Champions Trophy will further cement this narrative.

Broader Benefits for Pakistan

Hosting the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 offers Pakistan a significant financial opportunity. Historically, ICC events generate substantial economic activity, and Pakistan is poised to benefit from direct and indirect revenue streams. For example, ticket sales alone could rake in millions, as the 2017 Champions Trophy in England saw ticket revenues exceeding $9 million. High-profile matches, particularly involving India or England, are expected to sell out, contributing significantly to the PCB’s income. Additional revenues from concessions, merchandise, and parking fees at stadiums are likely to add to the earnings.

Broadcasting and media rights are another major financial boon. For context, the ICC sold broadcasting rights for the 2024–31 cycle for over $3 billion, and as the host, Pakistan will receive a substantial share of this amount. The viewership for ICC events often surpasses a billion globally, with the 2019 Cricket World Cup reaching over 1.6 billion viewers, ensuring massive exposure and corresponding revenue. Pakistan will also attract corporate sponsorships and advertising deals, with stadium branding and team endorsements potentially fetching millions. The PCB could secure partnerships with global brands, as India did during the 2023 World Cup, where sponsorships generated over ₹500 crore ($60 million).

Tourism is set to experience a significant boost, with thousands of fans and media personnel expected to visit Pakistan. In the 2019 Cricket World Cup, England saw over 650,000 visitors, contributing approximately £400 million ($500 million) to the local economy. While Pakistan may attract a smaller number, even a modest influx could generate significant foreign exchange inflows through spending on hotels, transport, food, and shopping. Major host cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad are expected to benefit the most, with local businesses, including small vendors and artisans, witnessing increased demand.

Infrastructure development is another avenue of economic growth. Ahead of such events, host nations typically invest in modernizing facilities. Pakistan, which has already initiated work on upgrading stadiums such as Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, could allocate over ₹1 billion ($12 million) for improvements. These upgrades not only support the event but leave a lasting legacy, enabling Pakistan to host more international events and drawing domestic league matches.

The Champions Trophy will also create jobs, both temporary and permanent, across multiple sectors, including security, hospitality, and media. During the 2015 Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, the tournament supported over 8,000 full-time equivalent jobs. A similar impact, scaled for Pakistan, could provide a significant boost to local employment. The increased economic activity will spur spending and consumption, benefiting the national economy.

Pakistan’s share of ICC revenues, which constitutes a significant portion of the PCB’s income, will grow. Currently, the PCB earns about $34 million annually from the ICC, and hosting the Champions Trophy could significantly augment this figure. Furthermore, successful execution will elevate Pakistan’s reputation as a reliable host, increasing its chances of securing other international events.

This global exposure will also showcase Pakistan’s cities and culture to billions of viewers, enhancing its tourism appeal. In 2023, India used the Cricket World Cup to promote its states and cultural heritage, seeing a noticeable uptick in domestic and international tourism. Pakistan can adopt a similar strategy, leveraging cricket to enhance its soft power and attract long-term tourism investments.

In conclusion, hosting the ICC Champions Trophy is not just about cricket—it is a financial windfall for Pakistan. From generating millions in ticket sales and sponsorships to creating thousands of jobs and boosting tourism, the event has the potential to significantly impact the country’s economy and global standing. If executed efficiently.

(Writer is strategic affairs columnist and senior political analyst based in Shimla)