ICC Confirms Dubai as Neutral Venue for India's Matches in Champions Trophy 2025; Neutral Venues Agreed Until 2028

Dec 22, 2024, 08:23 AM

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025, with India’s matches to be hosted in neutral venues due to ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. The ICC has decided that India will play their matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with Dubai selected as the host city. The Indian team is expected to play its first match against Bangladesh on 20 February. This decision follows consultations between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and UAE cricket authorities. The arrangement, agreed upon until 2028, means that all India vs Pakistan matches in ICC events will take place at neutral venues. The PCB agreed to this hybrid model, which some former Pakistan players, including Ahmed Shehzad, feel is a missed opportunity to host India. However, others like Javed Miandad believe that the PCB has gained more than the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) through this agreement. Additionally, in the event of an India-Pakistan final in the Champions Trophy, the match would also be held in Dubai. This decision is expected to impact cricket relations and match scheduling between the two nations in upcoming ICC events.