ICC greenlights hybrid model for Champions trophy, neutral venues for World Cup matches until 2028
After much uncertainty, the ICC confirmed that the 2025 Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan. However, India-Pakistan matches will take place at neutral venues. This decision follows an agreement between the PCB and BCCI, ensuring that India and Pakistan will not host each other’s games during ICC events between 2024 and 2027.
The Champions Trophy will run from February 19 to March 9, 2025. It will feature eight teams divided into two groups. The top two from each group will progress to the semifinals, with the final concluding the tournament.
India has been placed in Group A, alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. The full tournament schedule, including the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash, will be released soon.
A BCCI official stated, “Situations between two countries change within days. We are simply following the Indian government’s directive.”
The last India-Pakistan match occurred during the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in New York, where India won by six runs. The two teams last met in the 2023 Cricket World Cup, with India winning by seven wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
In addition to Pakistan, teams from Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, and South Africa will participate in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
