The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reportedly been chosen as the neutral venue for India’s matches in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which will be hosted by Pakistan. The decision comes amidst India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns and ongoing political tensions between the two nations.
According to sources, the agreement was finalized during a meeting between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and UAE Cricket Board Head Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan in Ghotki.
Earlier, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that the tournament would follow a hybrid model, with India’s matches to be held at a neutral venue while the rest of the games take place in Pakistan.
The PCB initially resisted the hybrid model but agreed after securing an ICC-backed arrangement. The agreement ensures that India and Pakistan matches hosted by either nation in ICC events from 2024 to 2027 will occur at neutral venues.
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This arrangement also extends to other ICC tournaments, including the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup hosted by India and Sri Lanka and the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup awarded to Pakistan.
India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13, with their encounters limited to ICC events.
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