Following the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) approval of the hybrid model proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, a neutral venue for the tournament has reportedly been determined.
According to a report by ARY News citing sources, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been selected as the location for the tournament, with India’s matches, including the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan, expected to take place there.
The eagerly awaited tournament is set to begin on February 19, 2025, featuring exciting cricket contests among the world’s top teams. Although hosted by Pakistan, the event will include eight teams divided into two groups, with matches scheduled in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
On December 19, it was reported that the ICC had agreed to a hybrid model that would see India play its ICC Champions Trophy 2025 matches at neutral venues. A report from Cricinfo indicated that neutral venues will also be utilized for Pakistan’s matches in ICC tournaments hosted by India until 2027.
“ESPNcricinfo has obtained a resolution detailing the agreement, which is expected to be put to a vote by the ICC board. During the 2024-2027 event cycle, all matches involving India in events hosted in Pakistan will be played at neutral venues, and conversely, all matches involving Pakistan in events hosted by India will also be played at neutral venues.
This agreement covers the 2025 men’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan, the 2025 women’s ODI World Cup in India, and the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka,” the report stated.
