PCB Selects UAE as Neutral Venue for India’s Matches in Champions Trophy
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the neutral venue for India’s matches during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will primarily be hosted in Pakistan. The decision comes as part of a two-way hybrid model proposed by the PCB and agreed upon by the International Cricket Council (ICC), resolving the longstanding deadlock over the tournament’s hosting.
Neutral Venue Decision and Diplomatic Engagement
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi finalized the decision following discussions with Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Chairman of the UAE Cricket Board, during a meeting in Ghotki. The discussions included mutual interests, bilateral relations, and collaborative efforts to promote cricket between the two nations. Sheikh Nahyan expressed his best wishes for the tournament’s success, underscoring the UAE’s strong ties with Pakistan.
Hybrid Hosting Model in Play
The hybrid hosting arrangement, which will also apply to other upcoming ICC tournaments, allows Pakistan to host nine to ten matches of the eight-team Champions Trophy on home soil, while India’s matches will be played in the UAE. This arrangement will also be implemented for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 in India, the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, and the Women’s T20 World Cup 2028 in Pakistan.
The ICC is expected to announce the detailed schedule for the Champions Trophy soon, with the tournament set to take place in February and March 2025. The PCB’s choice of the UAE ensures India’s participation in the event, as the Indian cricket board (BCCI) had declined to send its team to Pakistan, citing government advice amidst strained political relations.
Historical Context and Continued Collaboration
India has not toured Pakistan since 2008, and the two teams only face off in multi-team tournaments due to geopolitical tensions. Last year, Pakistan traveled to India for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup under similar neutral hosting arrangements. The PCB’s proactive efforts to maintain cricketing ties with India, despite political challenges, have enabled the continuation of these high-stakes matches at neutral venues.
The UAE’s selection as a neutral venue reflects its growing importance as a hub for international cricket, with its well-established infrastructure and reputation for hosting global tournaments. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi invited Sheikh Nahyan to visit Pakistan during the Champions Trophy, reinforcing the collaborative spirit between the two cricketing nations.
This hybrid model ensures that cricket fans worldwide will witness the much-anticipated India-Pakistan matches while safeguarding the interests of both nations and promoting the sport in neutral territories.
