India will play all their matches in the 2025 Champions Trophy in the UAE. This decision, expected for some time, was confirmed after Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman, met with Sheikh Nahyan Al Mubarak in Pakistan. Sheikh Nahyan is a senior UAE minister and also leads the Emirates Cricket Board.
A spokesperson for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Amir Mir, said, “The PCB has picked the UAE as a neutral venue for the Champions Trophy.”
India’s group includes Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. India will play their first match against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by the much-anticipated game against Pakistan on February 23, a Sunday. Their last group match will be against New Zealand on March 2. All of India’s games are expected to be held in Dubai.
Pakistan, the defending champions, will open the tournament against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi. They will play their final group match against Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi.
The second group features Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa. Matches in this group, and other games excluding India’s, will take place in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.
The semi-finals are set for March 4 and March 5, with only the second semi-final having a reserve day. The final is scheduled for March 9, with a reserve day in place. If India reaches the semi-final, it will be played in the UAE; otherwise, it will be held in Pakistan. Similarly, if India qualifies for the final, it will also be moved to the UAE. If not, it will take place in Lahore.
The hybrid hosting model was agreed upon with the understanding that Pakistan’s matches in ICC events hosted by India until 2027 will also be held at neutral venues. This arrangement covers all knockout matches, such as semi-finals and finals, ensuring neutrality.
The agreement starts with the Champions Trophy and applies to other tournaments, including the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup in India, the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, and the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in Pakistan.
This hybrid hosting model aims to address concerns between the two countries while ensuring that tournaments are conducted smoothly.
