In a significant development for international cricket, Dubai has been finalized as the neutral venue for India’s matches in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The decision was made following a meeting between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and UAE Cricket Board Chairman Sheikh Nahyan Al Mubarak on Saturday night. Reliable sources within the PCB confirmed the agreement, marking a milestone in the long-standing debate over hosting arrangements for India-Pakistan cricket ties.
Key Details of the Arrangement
• Neutral Venue for India: All of India’s matches, including potential semi-finals and the final (if India qualifies), will be held in Dubai.
• Pakistan to Host Remaining Matches: Pakistan will host 9 to 10 matches, with Lahore likely hosting the final if India fails to qualify.
• Hybrid Model for Future Tournaments: The hybrid arrangement will extend to other ICC events, including the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2026 in India and the T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Background and Negotiations
The deadlock over India’s participation in Pakistan was resolved last Thursday when the ICC announced a hybrid hosting model. India had refused to play in Pakistan citing security concerns and the lack of clearance from the Indian government.
The two countries have not played bilateral cricket since 2012, and India’s last visit to Pakistan was during the Asia Cup in 2008. The security situation, compounded by the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has kept bilateral ties frozen, and India has insisted on neutral venues for ICC tournaments hosted by Pakistan.
Initially, the PCB opposed the hybrid model, fearing backlash from local fans. However, under Naqvi’s leadership, the PCB agreed to the arrangement on reciprocal terms, ensuring a similar arrangement for future tournaments hosted by India.
Logistics and Final Schedule
The logistical and administrative framework for the Champions Trophy was discussed and finalized in Ghotki, Sindh, where Sheikh Nahyan is currently vacationing. An official schedule for the tournament, scheduled for February-March 2025, is expected soon.
The arrangement aligns with the PCB’s strategy to maintain Pakistan’s status as a host nation while accommodating India’s security concerns. The UAE, with its proven record of hosting high-profile cricket tournaments, emerged as the natural choice for India’s matches.
Implications for Cricket
This agreement ensures that the tournament will proceed without disruptions and sets a precedent for managing Indo-Pak cricket relations. It highlights the delicate balance between political tensions and cricket diplomacy, with the ICC facilitating a middle ground.
As cricket fans gear up for the Champions Trophy, this hybrid model underscores the sport’s potential to overcome geopolitical barriers while respecting national concerns.
(With inputs from agencies)
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