India’s matches in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will be held in the UAE as part of a hybrid hosting model. This decision, which had been widely anticipated, was finalized following a meeting between PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Sheikh Nahyan Al Mubarak, a senior UAE minister and head of the Emirates Cricket Board. The PCB’s spokesperson, Amir Mir, confirmed the UAE as the neutral venue for India’s games, a move prompted by political tensions between India and Pakistan.
India’s group includes Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. The much-anticipated India-Pakistan league match is scheduled for February 23, a Sunday. India will face Bangladesh on February 20 and New Zealand on March 2, with all these matches expected to take place in Dubai. Meanwhile, Pakistan, the defending champions, will begin the tournament against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi and play their final group match against Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi.
The second group comprises Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa. Matches for this group, as well as the rest of the tournament, excluding India’s games, will be hosted across Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.
The knockout stages include two semi-finals on March 4 and March 5, with only the latter having a reserve day. The final is scheduled for March 9, also with a reserve day. If India qualifies for the semi-finals or the final, these matches will shift to the UAE. Otherwise, they will remain in Pakistan. The final is initially planned for Lahore but may be moved to the UAE if India reaches that stage.
This hybrid model is part of a broader agreement that ensures Pakistan’s matches in ICC events hosted by India until 2027 will also take place at neutral venues. This agreement applies to key 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 has been awarded to Pakistan. In all instances, knockout games, such as semi-finals and finals, will be hosted at neutral venues as required.
The arrangement balances the logistical and political challenges of the rivalry between India and Pakistan, setting a precedent for future ICC events.
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