The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finalized the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the neutral venue for India’s matches in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, resolving a standoff between the cricketing rivals. India had refused to play in Pakistan, the official host of the eight-team tournament, citing security concerns.
The hybrid model, confirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC), ensures that all of India’s matches, including potential semifinals and finals, will be held in the UAE.
PCB spokesman Amir Mir stated on Sunday that the decision was reached after PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with Emirates Cricket Board Chairman Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan.
“UAE was finalized as the venue after thorough discussions, and the ICC has been informed about the selection,” Mir said. While the exact locations remain unconfirmed, Dubai is widely expected to host the matches.
This arrangement is part of a broader agreement where Pakistan will also avoid playing in India during ICC events in the 2024-27 cycle. Pakistan’s matches in the 2025 Women’s World Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup, both hosted by India or co-hosted with Sri Lanka, will similarly take place at neutral venues.
The hybrid model will be implemented for the 2025 Champions Trophy starting in February. India has three group-stage matches, including a marquee clash against Pakistan, which will all be held in the UAE. Should India advance, the UAE will also host the semifinal and final matches involving the team.
Ongoing Political Tensions
This decision shows the ongoing political tensions between the two nations, which have prevented bilateral tours since 2012. While the teams regularly meet in ICC tournaments, such encounters occur on neutral grounds or within the hosting nation’s constraints.
The most recent example of this tension was during the 2023 ICC World Cup, where Pakistan traveled to India for the competition. However, India declined to visit Pakistan for the Asia Cup, forcing matches to be moved to Sri Lanka under another hybrid arrangement.
With the venue decision finalized, the ICC is expected to release the full schedule for the Champions Trophy in the coming days. The UAE’s selection as a neutral venue aims to ensure the smooth conduct of India’s matches while maintaining the tournament’s integrity.
