ICC has finally reached an agreement with PCB and BCCI as the 2025 Champions Trophy will take place in Pakistan and a neutral venue for matches of India. In return, Pakistan will also play all their games in ICC events hosted by India at a neutral venue.
"The ICC Board has approved that all matches between India and Pakistan played at ICC Events during the current rights cycle from 2024 to 2027 (which are to be hosted in India or Pakistan) will be played at a neutral venue proposed by the tournament host," said the ICC in a statement.
Watch - Virat Kohli loses cool, involved in heated argument with Australia reporter ahead of 4th Test
The same policy will apply for next year's Women's World Cup in India and the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in 2026.
Earlier, BCCI had refused that Team India will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy scheduled to be played in February-March due to security concerns. It is to be noted that India have not played a single game in Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
"The schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be confirmed soon," the ICC stated.
As confirmed by ICC, the schedule for the eight-team event which are - Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and Pakistan will be out soon.
Defending champions Pakistan will host the tournament for the first time since it's inception in 1998. Pakistan won the 2017 edition under the leadership of Sarfaraz Ahmed. Pakistan have also got the hosting rights for the Women's T20 World Cup in 2028 where again a hybrid model will implemented for India-Pakistan fixtures.
The neutral venue arrangements aim to facilitate smooth logistics and ensure the safety of both teams and fans, given the ongoing political tensions between the two cricketing rivals.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
