The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed Dubai as the neutral venue for India’s matches in next year’s ICC Champions Trophy. The announcement comes after India communicated to the International Cricket Council (ICC) its decision not to travel to Pakistan for the tournament due to political tensions.
The eight-team tournament, scheduled for February and March 2025, will mark Pakistan’s first time hosting a global cricket event since 1996. However, as part of an agreement, Pakistan will also play at neutral venues for any ICC events hosted by India through 2027.
“Pakistan has chosen Dubai as the neutral venue for the Champions Trophy, and this decision has been conveyed to the ICC officially,” a PCB spokesperson said.
Political disputes have long affected cricket relations between the two nations. They have not played each other outside of major ICC tournaments since 2013, and India has not toured Pakistan since 2008.
The Champions Trophy will feature hosts Pakistan alongside Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Pakistan is also set to host the women’s T20 World Cup in 2028, with similar neutral venue arrangements for India expected to apply.
The ICC is expected to finalize and release the tournament schedule next week.
