The 2025 Champions Trophy got a new life with the ICC breaking the deadlock between BCCI and PCB. Both parties arrived at a common ground of organizing the tournament in a hybrid mode, with India and Pakistan playing at neutral venues whenever their neighbors organize an ICC event.
The Champions Trophy host, Pakistan were given the freedom to choose the neutral venue for the tournament. They eventually chose Dubai for hosting India’s games, which was a win-win situation for both countries. It is evident that India was vying for their games to be played in the most populated city in the United Arab Emirates.
According to reports, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi met Sheikh Nahyan Al Mubarak in Pakistan. Sheikh Nahyan is currently serving as minister in UAE and also heads the Emirates Cricket Association. After their meeting, the PCB spokesperson Amir Mir made an official announcement and said:
“The PCB has picked the UAE as a neutral venue for the Champions Trophy.”
The much-awaited clash between India and Pakistan will go down in Dubai International Stadium on February 23. Along with the arch-rivals, Bangladesh and New Zealand are also slotted in the same group. Meanwhile, Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa comprise the other group. Meanwhile, Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore will be the venues hosting the marquee event in Pakistan.
The hosts will kickoff their campaign against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi, followed by India playing against Bangladesh on February 20 against Bangladesh in Dubai. The semi-finals are scheduled to be played on March 4-5 and final on March 9 in Dubai.
However, the catch in the schedule is that if India doesn’t qualify for the knockouts, the knockouts will be held in Pakistan.
Pakistan secure ODI series whitewash over South Africa ahead of Champions Trophy
On Sunday, Pakistan became the first team to whitewash South Africa in ODIs on their home soil. After the Proteas won the T20I series 2-0, all eyes were on whether the Men in Green would bounce back with an impressive performance.
In the first ODI, Pakistan secured a thrilling victory by three wickets, as they chased down the target of 240 in the final over. Saim Ayub scored a century, while Salman Agha picked four wickets.
The second game witnessed Pakistan posting a strong total of 329, with veteran batters Babar Azam (73) and Mohammad Rizwan (80) emerging as top run-scorers. Then, Shaheen Afridi stole the show with figures of 4/47 to help the side win by 81 runs.
In the final ODI, the visitors compiled another big total of 308, courtesy of Ayub’s 101-run knock. Thereafter, Sufiyan Muqeem picked four wickets to bundle out the Proteas for 271.
FAQs
Who led Pakistan in 2017 Champions Trophy?
Sarfaraz Ahmed
Who scored the most runs in 2017 Champions Trophy?
Shikhar Dhawan – 338 runs
