Upcoming Indian Games ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held in the UAE, a decision taken after a meeting between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Sheikh Nahyan Al Mubarak, chief executive of the Emirates Cricket Board.
The much awaited match between India and Pakistan is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 23, in Dubai. India's other team matches include matches against Bangladesh on February 20 and New Zealand on March 2, which are also expected to be held in Dubai.
Pakistan, who are the defending champions, will begin their campaign on February 19 against New Zealand in Karachi. They will play their final group game against Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi.
Competition structure and process
The competition has two categories:
Group A: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and New Zealand.
Group B: Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa
The matches outside the Indian schedule will be played in Pakistan in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi.
The semi-finals are scheduled for March 4 and 5, and a booking date has been set for the second semi-final. If India qualify for the semi-finals, their match will be in the UAE; otherwise, it will happen in Pakistan. The final is slated for March 9 in Lahore, with a move to the UAE if India reach the final.
Hybrid model agreement
Champions Trophy 2025 will operate under a hybrid hosting model. Under the plan, Pakistan's matches in ICC events hosted by India till 2027 will also be played at neutral venues. This model ensures neutrality in the game of both countries, especially during scoring.
The agreement extends to future ICC events, including the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup in India, the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, and the 2028 Women's T20 World Cup in Pakistan.
The new strategy seeks to balance cricket's unity amid political tensions, ensuring that both countries are involved while providing a neutral venue for their major events.