Champions Trophy 2025: PCB Designates UAE as Neutral Venue
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New Delhi, Dec 22 (NationPress) The Pakistan Cricket Board has officially designated the United Arab Emirates as the neutral site for hosting India's matches in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, adhering to the hybrid model.
According to a statement from PCB spokesperson Amir Mir to IANS, "The PCB has formally notified the ICC regarding this neutral venue selection. Consequently, the matches between India and Pakistan for the Champions Trophy will take place in the UAE. The decision regarding the neutral venue was originally to be determined by the host nation, Pakistan. The final determination of the venue was reached following discussions between Mohsin Naqvi and Sheikh Al Nahyan. Sheikh Al Nahyan, who is currently in Pakistan, also serves as the Chairman of the UAE Cricket Board," he mentioned.
Earlier, the executive board of the International Cricket Council confirmed that the matches between India and Pakistan in future ICC events up to 2027, including the Champions Trophy in 2025, would be held at neutral locations.
This neutral venue arrangement will be applicable to the forthcoming ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 (hosted by Pakistan), the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 (hosted by India), and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 (co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka). Additionally, it will extend to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2028, for which Pakistan has been awarded hosting rights.
Given the tense political climate, India and Pakistan exclusively compete in international tournaments such as the World Cup and Asia Cup. The last bilateral series between the two countries occurred in 2012-13, when Pakistan visited India for a five-match white-ball series.
The Champions Trophy is set to take place in February and March 2025. Meanwhile, the ICC has announced that the schedule for this prestigious tournament will be disclosed shortly.
