ICC Clears Path for India-Pakistan Champions Trophy Match in UAE

In a significant development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has cleared the way for a historic India-Pakistan match at the 2025 Champions Trophy in the United Arab Emirates. The PCB has agreed to host key events between 2025 and 2027 at neutral venues, including the Champions Trophy, Men's T20 World Cup, and Women's T20 World Cup.

The latest decision followed an agreement between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), after a meeting between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and ECB Chairman Sheikh Mubarak Al Nahyan. As a result, Pakistan's highly anticipated match with arch-rivals India will take place in Dubai on 23rd February, bringing an end to the uncertainty surrounding the Champions Trophy schedule. The UAE was picked over Sri Lanka as the neutral venue due to its larger stadium capacity and infrastructure. Regarding the 2025 Champions Trophy schedule, the PCB has also confirmed that Pakistan will host New Zealand in the opening match on 19th February. India is set to take on Bangladesh on 20th February and New Zealand on 2nd March. Alongside these developments, India and Pakistan have agreed on a deal to play their bilateral matches at neutral venues until 2027. This deal includes the 2025 Champions Trophy, 2026 Men's T20 World Cup, and the 2028 Women's T20 World Cup. The agreement covers several future ICC events including the ICC Men's Champions Trophy, ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Furthermore, the Pakistan Cricket Board has now been awarded the hosting rights for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2028, which will also feature neutral venues. In the lead-up to the event, Pakistan will play their matches in India until 2027 at neutral venues.

The final schedule of the 2025 Champions Trophy is expected to be announced by the ICC on Monday.