The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is expected to lose its rights to host matches for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, as broadcasters have recommended limiting the event to three venues due to logistical and financial challenges.
Sources suggest that broadcasting the tournament from four venues would be difficult, citing concerns over increased costs and logistical complications for the fourth venue. As a result, Karachi, Lahore, and Dubai are now being considered as the primary venues for the event.
The official schedule for the Champions Trophy is set to be announced today, with final decisions pending an agreement currently under review by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Pakistan-India Agree on Neutral Venue Arrangement
In a significant development, the cricket boards of Pakistan and India have reportedly agreed on a “fusion formula” that allows both nations to participate in ICC events without hosting matches in each other’s countries.
Under this arrangement, Pakistan will play its matches in India at neutral venues until 2027, while India will do the same for tournaments held in Pakistan. This agreement will apply to upcoming ICC events, including the Asia Cup in 2025 and the T20 World Cup in 2026, both of which will be hosted by India. The ICC is expected to formalize the agreement soon.
As the Champions Trophy schedule is set to be revealed, the exclusion of Rawalpindi as a venue is a disappointment for local fans but aligns with the logistical preferences of global broadcasters.
