The International Cricket Council (ICC) has finally arrived to a decision regarding the hosting of Champions Trophy 2025. The eight-team tournament is now set to be played in Pakistan, while India will play all their matches at a neutral venue.
The marquee event was caught in a fix after India refused to travel to Pakistan for taking part in the competition. However, Pakistan was hell bent on being the host of the tournament and the only possible solution was an addition of a neutral venue.
The latest agreement confirms that all the games hosted in Pakistan during the 2024-2027 event cycle will witness India playing at a neutral venue and vice versa.
It all became possible due to Pakistan reminding the ICC of their move to travel to India to participate in the 2023 World Cup and strictly stating they will not adhere to their neighbor’s demands anymore. Moreover, the choice of neutral venue will be made by Pakistan and will need to be approved by ICC.
Interestingly, Pakistan has 24 hours to propose the neutral venue after the resolution has been passed. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to be the frontrunner as a neutral venue, while Sri Lanka is also said to be in the fray.
An official statement from ICC read:
“India and Pakistan matches hosted by either country at ICC Events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at a neutral venue, the ICC Board confirmed on Thursday, 19 December.”
8 teams – Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, and South Africa, alongside hosts Pakistan will participate in the 2025 Champions Trophy, which is set to be played from February 19 to March 9. The schedule for the tournament is expected to be made public soon, with three cities, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi slated to be the hosts.
Pakistan to host Women’s T20 World Cup 2028
In another announcement, Pakistan is set to host the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028. According to the statement by the apex council, neutral venue arrangements will be applied on the marquee event.
Meanwhile, India will host the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, and will jointly host the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup along with Sri Lanka. Although, the Men in Green will play at a neutral venue in the former event, they will have an option to field their team in Sri Lanka in the latter.
The resolution will also be effective in triangular or quadrangular tournaments involving India, Pakistan and any other countries.
FAQs
Who won the 2017 Champions Trophy?
Pakistan beat India by 180 runs
When did India last visit Pakistan?
2008 for Asia Cup
