The International Cricket Council (ICC) has agreed on a hybrid model for upcoming ICC events, including the 2025 Champions Trophy, which will see India play its matches at neutral venues. This agreement will also apply to Pakistan’s matches in ICC tournaments hosted by India until 2027.
As per a report from Cricinfo, the resolution, which will soon undergo an ICC board vote, outlines that for the 2024-2027 event cycle, all matches involving India in tournaments hosted in Pakistan will take place at neutral venues. Likewise, matches involving Pakistan in events hosted by India will be played at neutral venues. This applies to the 2025 men’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan, the 2025 women’s ODI World Cup in India, and the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
However, there remains uncertainty about where the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held, especially if India advances to the final. Pakistan had previously suggested that the final could be hosted at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The hybrid model could also extend to the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup, which has been awarded to Pakistan and will serve as the opening event of the next ICC cycle. The ICC has also indicated that it has no objections to organizing a triangular T20 series involving India, Pakistan, and another Asian Full Member or Associate country, as long as it is held at a neutral location. This series was suggested as a way to make up for Pakistan not hosting India’s Champions Trophy matches.
The ICC Board confirmed that India and Pakistan matches during the 2024-2027 rights cycle, when hosted by either country, will be played at neutral venues. This includes the 2025 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan, the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India, and the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. The PCB has also been granted the rights to host the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup, where neutral venue arrangements will also apply.
The schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be finalized soon, with Pakistan aiming to defend the title they won in 2017. The tournament will feature eight teams: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and hosts Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Stance on the Champions Trophy
Meanwhile, the 76th meeting of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Board of Governors (BoG) took place in Islamabad under Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. During the meeting, the Board approved decisions from previous sessions and received an update on preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Chairman Naqvi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to successfully hosting the prestigious event.
Board members praised Naqvi’s principled stance regarding the Champions Trophy, acknowledging his dedication to protecting Pakistan’s cricket interests. Chairman Naqvi stated, “From day one, our focus has been on ensuring success for Pakistan and cricket. The PCB is fully prepared to host the ICC Champions Trophy, and all preparations are well on track. Pakistan’s principled stance has been widely appreciated, and we will leave no stone unturned in preserving the prestige of this event. All participating teams will receive a warm welcome.”
He also assured that stadium renovations would be completed well in advance of the tournament. “Our teams are working tirelessly to ensure the stadiums meet international standards,” he added.
The Board received updates on renovations at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, National Stadium in Karachi, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, expressing satisfaction with the progress. The meeting was attended by the Governing Board members, PCB COO Sameer Ahmed, CFO Javed Murtaza, CEO of HBL PSL Salman Naseer, and other relevant officials.
