PCB Spokesman Confirms Dubai as Neutral Venue for Champions Trophy 2025 Matches Against India

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that Dubai, UAE, will serve as the neutral venue for India's matches in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The PCB's decision comes after months of discussions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

In a statement to the media, PCB spokesman Amir Mir said, "We have conveyed to the ICC that Dubai will be the neutral venue after a meeting between PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi and Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, in Pakistan on Sunday."

This meeting, held on December 21, was pivotal in finalizing the arrangement. According to reports from Geo News, Dubai was chosen for its world-class infrastructure and accessibility. Additionally, the ICC and tournament broadcasters strongly backed the decision, considering Dubai a convenient and neutral ground.

The hybrid hosting model will allow Pakistan to host most of the matches, including the final, on home soil. India's group-stage matches and any potential knockout games will take place in Dubai. If India progresses to the semi-finals or final, these games will also be held at the neutral venue.

A Historic Agreement

The hybrid model, a product of prolonged negotiations, aims to navigate the political sensitivities between India and Pakistan. This arrangement is set to continue beyond the Champions Trophy 2025.

According to The News International, similar arrangements will be in place for the Women's ODI World Cup in India and the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan was initially resistant to the hybrid model.

However, reciprocal concessions for tournaments hosted by India led to its acceptance. Dubai's designation as the venue underscores its status as a diplomatic and logistical solution for cricketing disputes. The ICC is expected to release the full schedule for the Champions Trophy soon.

Pakistan will host up to 10 matches, with the finale set for Lahore unless India qualifies. For now, the decision to use Dubai as a neutral venue paves the way for smoother tournament operations and highlights cricket's unique ability to bridge divides.