Dubai Selected as Neutral Venue for Champions Trophy 2025

The International Cricket Council has confirmed that India's matches in the Champions Trophy 2025 will be held in Dubai, a neutral venue, due to ongoing security concerns preventing Indian teams from traveling to Pakistan. The tournament, hosted by Pakistan for the first time since 1996, is set to run from February 19 to March 9, 2025, featuring eight teams divided into two groups. India will play its opening match against Bangladesh on February 20, with the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match scheduled for February 23 in Dubai. This hybrid model also extends to future tournaments, allowing Pakistan to play at neutral venues for events hosted in India until 2027. The PCB and the UAE Cricket Board finalized the arrangements after discussions aimed at resolving logistical issues and maintaining cricketing ties despite political tensions. The ICC is expected to release the complete tournament schedule soon.