In a groundbreaking decision, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that Dubai will serve as the neutral venue for India’s matches during the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. This decision comes after India expressed security concerns about travelling to Pakistan, the primary host of the tournament.
The arrangement was solidified following extensive discussions between key stakeholders, including PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and UAE Cricket Board Chairman Sheikh Nahyan Al Mubarak.
Champions Trophy 2025 in hybrid model
The Champions Trophy 2025, set to be held in February and March, will adopt a hybrid model. This model ensures that while most of the tournament will be hosted in Pakistan, India’s matches, including any knockout stages they reach, will take place in Dubai. This compromise aims to balance the safety concerns of the Indian team with Pakistan’s logiIndian team’s safety concerns.
India’s journey in the group stage will see them competing against formidable teams. They are scheduled to face Bangladesh on February 20, New Zealand on March 2, and their arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23. These high-stakes matches in Dubai are expected to draw significant attention and large crowds, further cementing Dubai’s status as a key venue for international cricket.
The PCB has also agreed to a reciprocal arrangement, which allows Pakistan to host matches in India for future ICC tournaments scheduled until 2027. This mutual understanding highlights a cooperative spirit aimed at ensuring the smooth conduct of international cricket events despite geopolitical challenges.
The hybrid model illustrates a pragmatic approach to organizing major cricket tournaments in a politically sensitive landscape. It maintains the integrity of the competition while addressing the concerns of all participating nations. The full schedule of the Champions Trophy 2025 will be announced in the coming weeks, and it will be played in cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.
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