Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the UAE as the neutral venue for India’s matches in the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 which will be hosted in Pakistan.
“The PCB has chosen the UAE as the neutral venue and the PCB has formally informed the ICC about the decision. Now, India and Pakistan’s Champions Trophy matches will be held in the UAE,” a PCB spokesperson was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
The Board officially informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) about its decision following a meeting between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Chairman Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan in Sindh province, according to a PCB spokesman.
The discussion focused on enhancing cricket development, with both officials agreeing to collaborate on initiatives to advance the sport. “We will work closely with the UAE to promote cricket,” Naqvi confirmed.
Naqvi also invited Sheikh Nahyan to attend the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, set for February-March next year. In response, Sheikh Nahyan wished the tournament great success, emphasizing the UAE’s strong relationship with Pakistan. “We value our relationship with Pakistan and wish you great success with the Champions Trophy,” he said.
The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 will be hosted in Pakistan, with matches featuring the Indian cricket team to be played at a neutral venue. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has three international venues in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
“There is immense excitement in Pakistan about hosting the Champions Trophy. We aim to make it an outstanding and unique tournament,” Naqvi stated.
The eight-team event will feature Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, and South Africa, alongside hosts Pakistan.
The deadlock over hosting the eight-team Champions Trophy ended when the ICC confirmed India will play its matches at a neutral venue, while Pakistan will receive the same arrangement for events in India until 2027 under the PCB’s proposed two-way hybrid model.
The ICC is now set to announce the final schedule, with Pakistan expected to host 9 to 10 matches.