Champions Trophy 2025: India vs Pakistan Likely in Dubai but Sri Lanka in Fray as Co-Host with PCB

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The Champions Trophy 2025 might finally have a resolution to its hosting conundrum, as reported by Cricbuzz. The month-long impasse between the International Cricket Council (ICC), BCCI and PCB is reportedly nearing closure, with an official announcement coming from ICC, confirming that all India vs Pakistan matches in 2024-27 cycle will take place at neutral venues.

As reported earlier, the eight-team tournament will adopt a hybrid hosting model, where India will play their matches at a neutral venue. Dubai is expected to host the marquee clash between India and Pakistan if the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) secures final clearance from the ICC and PCB.

Sri Lanka are also in contention to co-host alongside Pakistan, logistical considerations may sway the decision in favour of the UAE. The UAE's well-established cricket infrastructure, including stadiums in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Dubai, positions it as a strong candidate for hosting the tournament.

Dubai's larger stadium size makes it the preferred venue for high-stakes matches like India vs Pakistan. Under this proposed arrangement, the UAE could host 10 of the 15 matches, including all three of India's group-stage games and two knockout fixtures.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka remains in the fray, with the PCB seemingly leaning toward the island nation as a co-host. However, logistical complexities, including travel arrangements and venue readiness, may work against this option.

ICC confirms neutral venues for India vs Pakistan matches in 2024-27 cycle

Meanwhile, ICC made an official announcement that matches between India and Pakistan during ICC events in the 2024-2027 rights cycle, hosted by either India or Pakistan, will take place at neutral venues proposed by the respective tournament hosts. This policy will apply to the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 (hosted by Pakistan), ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 (hosted by India), and ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 (hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka).

Additionally the media release confirmed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been granted hosting rights for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2028, where neutral venue arrangements will also be followed. Cricket Australia will host one of the senior ICC women's events during the 2029-2031 cycle. The schedule for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 is expected to be finalized in the coming days.

Meanwhile the Cricbuzz report added that the PCB, as the official host, is playing a pivotal role in finalising the details for the Champions Trophy 2025, while the ICC is expected to mediate a resolution that accommodates all parties. For fans, the potential of an India-Pakistan showdown in Dubai adds another layer of excitement to the tournament.

The Champions Trophy's hybrid hosting model appears to reflect a growing trend in cricket governance, where geopolitical considerations increasingly influence event planning. Whether the UAE or Sri Lanka gets the nod, cricket fans around the world are eager for the curtain to rise on this much-anticipated tournament. The upcoming announcement is set to end weeks of speculation and chart the course for one of cricket's most prestigious tournaments.