Photo Credit: Instagram Photo of @icctrophytour
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Monday that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will host all of India’s matches during the 2025 Champions Trophy, resolving the standoff between the PCB and BCCI.
Earlier, India informed the ICC that the Rohit Sharma-led side would not travel to Pakistan for the eight-team ODI tournament due to security concerns. This prompted disappointment from the PCB, which at one point considered withdrawing from the tournament. However, the ICC supported the BCCI amid recent unrest in Islamabad.
On Thursday, the ICC announced that the 2025 Champions Trophy will follow a hybrid model, with India playing all matches, including the semifinals and final if qualified, at a neutral venue.
“UAE was finalised as the venue after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with the Emirates Cricket Board chairman Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan,” PCB spokesman Amir Mir said in a statement on Sunday. He added that the PCB has “informed the ICC” about the decision.
The PCB did not specify the exact UAE locations for India’s matches, though Dubai is the most likely venue.
According to ESPNCricinfo, India will face Pakistan on Sunday, February 23. India’s other group matches include Bangladesh on February 20 and New Zealand on March 2. Meanwhile, defending champions Pakistan will begin their campaign against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi and play their second league game in Rawalpindi on February 27.
The second group features Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa. All matches, except those involving India, will take place in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
