Islamabad, Dec 19: The ICC Board has confirmed that matches between India and Pakistan during ICC events in the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be held at neutral venues, regardless of the host nation.
This policy will be applied to the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place in Pakistan during February and March, as well as the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Furthermore, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been granted hosting rights for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028, where the neutral venue arrangement will also be in effect.
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia is scheduled to host one of the major ICC women’s events between 2029 and 2031.
The schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is expected to be announced soon, with Pakistan preparing to defend the title they won in 2017. The tournament will feature eight teams: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and hosts Pakistan.
‘No Final Decision Yet’
However, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently stated that no definitive decision has been made regarding the Champions Trophy. During a visit to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Naqvi remarked, “Whatever is decided will be in Pakistan’s best interest,” adding that discussions about the venue for the hybrid model are ongoing.
He assured that all matters related to the Champions Trophy would be resolved soon. “Once everything is finalized, the ICC will announce the tournament schedule,” Naqvi concluded.
