Cricket fans, mark your calendars! The ICC has announced that all the India’s matches, knockouts included, for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will be played in Dubai. Yes, even the final may be shifted out of Lahore to Dubai — if India makes it to the final.
The much-anticipated eight-team battle will commence in February 2025. While Pakistan is still the host nation, an alternative model was negotiated following the discussions between the chairman of PCB Mohsin Naqvi and Sheikh Nahyan Al Mubarak, a former UAE minister and the chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi praised the deal and said, “We are happy that an agreement has been reached on the basis of equality and respect, showing spirit of cooperation and collaboration, the very characteristics our sport.” He also thanked the ICC members for their efforts towards a balanced solution.
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The tournament begins on February 19, when Pakistan (the reigning champions) play New Zealand in Karachi. For Indians, the big day is February 23 — the biggest group stage match against Pakistan. This match is going to attract a lot of hype due to the close rivalry between the two cricket giants.
The Indians will also play Bangladesh on 20 February and New Zealand on 2 March in Dubai. Pakistan’s other group matches will be held in Karachi and Rawalpindi.
There are two semi-finals and two reserve days on March 4th and 5th. If India gets into the knockout stage, the Semi-Final will be played in Dubai. The same applies to Pakistan’s knockout matches, should they progress ahead in the table.
This hyrbid model sets an example beyond the Champions Trophy. This neutral-venue agreement now extends to any ICC matches played in India or Pakistan up to 2027. Therefore, future tournaments such as 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, and even 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup will be played in same manner.
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The cricket community always come full circle. Therefore, the most awaited cricket rivalry between India v Pakistan battle will be played on a neutral ground. After all, not many matches in the history of cricket stir up as much excitement as a match between these two teams. It’s just a couple months away from February 23. The countdown begins!
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