Pakistan and Dubai to co-host 2025 Champions Trophy
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that the 2025 Champions Trophy will be jointly hosted by Pakistan and Dubai, with Pakistan serving as the primary host and Dubai functioning as a neutral venue for matches involving India. This marks Pakistan's first ICC event hosting in 28 years, with matches scheduled from February 19 to March 9.
The tournament will feature eight teams competing in 15 matches across venues in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, and Dubai. While most matches will be played in Pakistan, India's matches will be held in Dubai due to ongoing political tensions between the two nations. India has not toured Pakistan since 2008, and the BCCI, following government advice, declined to send their team to Pakistan.
The opening match will see defending champions Pakistan face New Zealand in Karachi, while India begins their campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai. The tournament's format includes two groups, with England, Afghanistan, Australia, and South Africa comprising Group B.
If India advances to the later stages, their matches, including a potential final, will be played in Dubai rather than Lahore. The ICC has implemented this arrangement following their recent decision that matches between India and Pakistan in tournaments from 2024 to 2027 would be played at neutral venues when hosted by either nation.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed satisfaction with the agreement, emphasizing principles of equality and respect. Pakistan's white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan highlighted the country's hospitality, encouraging fans to support all participating teams.
This Champions Trophy represents the first edition since 2017, which Pakistan won by defeating India in the final at the Oval in London. It also marks Pakistan's first major ICC event hosting since the 1996 World Cup, which they co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka.
