ICC Resolves Champions Trophy 2025 Dispute: Neutral Venues For India And Pakistan
Champions Trophy 2025: The dispute over hosting the Champions Trophy ended on Thursday as the ICC decided that India will play their matches in the 50-over tournament at a neutral venue instead of in host country Pakistan. A similar arrangement will apply for tournaments held in India until 2027, with Pakistan playing at neutral venues.
India, Pakistan To Play In Neutral Venues Till 2027
The ICC has confirmed that India and Pakistan will follow a hybrid model for all their matches in ICC events during the 2024-27 cycle.
This means India will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025, and Pakistan will not travel to India for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 or the T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by Sri Lanka.
“The ICC Board has approved that all matches between India and Pakistan played at ICC Events during the current rights cycle from 2024 to 2027 (which are to be hosted in India or Pakistan) will be played at a neutral venue proposed by the tournament host,” said the ICC in a statement.
This arrangement will cover the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, the Women’s Cricket World Cup in India next year, and the T20 World Cup 2026, hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
India refused to travel to Pakistan for the February-March event due to security concerns. The team hasn’t played in Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
“The schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be confirmed soon,” the ICC stated.
The ICC has awarded the Women’s T20 World Cup 2028 to Pakistan as compensation. However, this tournament will also follow the hybrid model, as India will not travel to Pakistan.
Where Will India Play Their Champions Trophy 2025 Matches?
Reports suggest that India will play their Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Dubai. If they reach the semi-final or final, those games are also expected to be held in Dubai.