If India reaches the first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, it will be hosted in the UAE.
India to Play ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches in UAE
New Delhi: The Indian cricket team will play all their matches of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), as the tournament host, has chosen the UAE as a neutral venue, reports ESPNcricinfo.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Hosting Rights Finalized
Under the chairmanship of Jay Shah, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has resolved the hosting issues for the Champions Trophy . The tournament will be held in Pakistan with select matches at a neutral venue, adopting a hybrid model for ICC events during the 2024-27 cycle, hosted either by India or Pakistan.
Strained Relations Influence Neutral Venue Decision
Due to tense political relations, India has not toured Pakistan since 2008, when they participated in the Asia Cup. Since their last bilateral series in 2012-13, India and Pakistan have only met in ICC tournaments and Asia Cups.
UAE Chosen Following High-Level Discussions
The decision to use the UAE as a neutral venue for ICC Champions Trophy matches came after a meeting between PCB Chairperson Mohsin Naqvi and senior UAE minister Sheikh Nahyan Al Mubarak, head of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), as per ESPNcricinfo. PCB spokesperson Amir Mir confirmed the selection of the UAE for India’s matches.
India-Pakistan Clash Set for February 23
The highly anticipated India-Pakistan match is scheduled for Sunday, February 23, 2025, in Dubai. India’s group includes Bangladesh and New Zealand, with India facing Bangladesh on February 20 and New Zealand on March 2. All of India’s group matches are likely to be held in Dubai.
Defending champions Pakistan will start their ICC Champions Trophy campaign in Karachi against New Zealand on February 19 and conclude their group stage against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.
Semi-Finals and Final Arrangements Confirmed
The semi-finals are slated for March 4 and 5. The first semi-final will not have a reserve day, while the final on March 9 will. If India qualifies for the first semi-final. India will be played in the UAE. Otherwise, it will take place in Pakistan. The championship final is set for Lahore, with plans to shift it to the UAE if needed. In case India makes it to the final.
Neutral Venues for India-Pakistan Matches Across ICC Events
The ICC has confirmed that matches between India and Pakistan in ICC events during the 2024-27 cycle will take place at neutral venues proposed by the host. This arrangement applies to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (Pakistan), ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (India), and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (India and Sri Lanka).
PCB to Host Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028
The Pakistan Cricket Board will host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028. Neutral venue arrangements applicable for India-Pakistan matches. Cricket Australia will host one of the senior ICC Women’s events between 2029 and 2031.
Eight Teams to Compete in ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will feature eight teams: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and host Pakistan.
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