Recent reports reveal that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi’s visit to the Dubai Cricket Stadium has sparked discussions about a potential hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
The upcoming Champions Trophy has been a hot topic within the cricket community since its tentative schedule was released. The PCB is keen to host the entire event in Pakistan, but India’s participation is uncertain due to the lack of approval from the Indian government for travel to Pakistan.
Naqvi’s trip to Dubai has intensified speculation about a hybrid model, where some matches might be played in the UAE. During his visit, Naqvi toured various facilities at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, including the stands, dressing rooms, and hospitality boxes.
However, Cricket Pakistan reports that Naqvi’s visit was unrelated to the Champions Trophy. Instead, he aims to use Dubai Stadium as a benchmark for renovating Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The central building of Gaddafi Stadium has already been demolished, and renovation work is set to begin soon, with the goal of transforming it into a world-class venue.
Regarding the Champions Trophy, the ICC has allocated an additional budget for a potential venue shift, but no final decision has been made yet.