In a significant decision following weeks of deliberation, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that India will play their 2025 Champions Trophy matches on neutral ground instead of traveling to Pakistan, the official host of the tournament.
This decision comes as a result of India’s longstanding refusal to visit Pakistan due to political tensions between the two countries. As a reciprocal arrangement, Pakistan will also play their matches in future ICC tournaments hosted by India at neutral venues. The alternative host countries for these matches have not yet been finalized.
The Champions Trophy, set to take place in February-March 2025, marks Pakistan’s first time hosting a major ICC event since the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore. While Pakistan has since improved its security infrastructure, India remains unwilling to travel, citing ongoing security concerns and geopolitical strain.
This decision mirrors the precedent set during the 2023 Asia Cup, where India’s matches were held in Sri Lanka under a hybrid hosting model.
Also read: Muhammad Rizwan Becomes First Pakistani Captain To Win ODI Series In South Africa, Australia
The ICC’s compromise aims to maintain the integrity of its tournaments while respecting the complex relationship between the two cricketing giants. Despite these hurdles, fans remain hopeful for thrilling encounters on the field, even if they take place away from home turf.
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