Champions Trophy 2025: The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on Thursday (December 19) that all the matches of India and Pakistan in the ICC events will be played at a neutral venue during the 2024-27 media rights cycle. The agreement will be applicable to the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 hosted by Pakistan, followed by the Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 held in India and the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (India and Sri Lanka to host the tournament).
India’s refusal to visit Pakistan for the eight-team tournament results in the matches being hosted at a neutral venue such as UAE or Sri Lanka. Similarly, Pakistan’s matches in ICC tournaments hosted by India will be played on a hybrid model basis. In both cases, all the matches including the knockout stages semi-finals, and finals will be played at a neutral location.
Furthermore, the PCB has bagged the hosting rights for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2028 and the arrangements for the neutral venue will come into effect.
UAE or Sri Lanka as the Neutral Venue for Champions Trophy 2025
Currently, it remains uncertain if UAE or Sri Lanka will be finalized as the neutral venue for the Champions Trophy. Moreover, the ICC is yet to reveal the tournament’s schedule officially.
In terms of logistical simplicity, Sri Lanka might be given the first preference having hosted all the matches of Team India in the Asia Cup 2023, but the UAE (United Arab Emirates) has been the main contender.
Suppose, the UAE hosts the contest, then the Indo-Pak clash will be held in Dubai., taking into consideration the size of the venue. However, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) is waiting for the ICC’s final approval as well as the PCB. Possibly, UAE might host India’s 5 out of 15 games including three matches in league stages and two in the knockouts.
How will the choice of a neutral venue be made for Champions Trophy 2025?
The preference for a neutral venue will be agreed upon by the tournament’s host that needs to be approved by the ICC. Considering the Champions Trophy, the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) has to suggest a neutral venue within 24 hours of the resolution being issued.
During the recent discussions, the PCB has recommended the idea of conducting a Triangular or Quadrangular T20I tournament that involves India, Pakistan, and another full-member team from Asia. The inclusion of a fourth team involves any of the smaller cricket nations. However, the ICC has decided not to oppose the suggestion and clarified that the same rules for the neutral venue will apply to other ICC events as well.
Most importantly, the resolution clarifies that none of the ICC directors should publicly announce the tri-series as it is a matter of discussion between the BCCI and the PCB.
This decision has come before the commencement of the Champions Trophy and has brought relief to all teams. Mainly, there has been a lot of uncertainty about the event ever since BCCI informed ICC that they wouldn’t be traveling to Pakistan.
Initially, the PCB was adamant about not accepting a hybrid model for the tournament, but eventually began offering solutions that benefit on a long-term basis.
Javed Miandad Praises PCB’s Stance!
Recently, the Former Pakistan captain and cricket legend Javed Miandad has praised the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) for remaining strong with its stance against BCCI. The International Cricket Council has not only guaranteed that Pakistan will host the Champions Trophy but also shows the world about maintaining the right balance with the Hybrid Model.
Javed Mianded spoke about PCB’s stance, saying that their approach was very sensible. They have not decided to indulge in arrogance, which could have kept them isolated in the cricketing world. Instead, they brilliantly chose a solution that benefits the PCB more than the BCCI.
Adding to it, Javed Mianded spoke about the PCB’s achievement, saying that Pakistan is successfully hosting a big event. This has been happening for a long time, so Pakistan’s Cricket Board has sent a clear message stating that if India doesn’t come and play in their nation, then they too won’t play in the rival country.
Iqbal Qasim praises PCB for correctly securing the Champions Trophy!
Regarding the ICC Champions Trophy, Former Pakistan spin bowler Iqbal Qasim praised the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) for securing it properly. And he said that BCCI is very influential and financially strong.
Iqbal Qasim praised that this time the board has not faced something like last year’s Asia Cup and rather took a strong stance to gain achievement. Adding to it, he stated that his proudest moment is to host the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy tournament and likely will not be traveling to India to play any ICC events.
Therefore, Iqbal lauds the stance that will not have both teams competing against each other but not in their rival nations, and rather in a neutral venue.
