The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed that the high-profile IND vs PAK match in the Champions Trophy will be played on February 23 in the UAE.
The hosts’ board officially communicated with the ICC after being finalised by Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman, who met with Sheikh Nahyan Al Mubarak in Pakistan.
Sheikh Nahyan is a senior UAE minister and the Emirates Cricket Board head. “The PCB has picked the UAE as a neutral venue for the Champions Trophy,” PCB spokesperson Amir Mir said.
Apart from Pakistan, the other two teams in the India Group are Bangladesh and New Zealand. India will be facing Bangladesh on February 20 and New Zealand on March 02 with all matches likely to be held in Dubai.
Meanwhile, Australia, Afghanistan, South Africa and England are placed in second group. Apart from Indian matches, all other matches of group stages will be played across Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi.
The two semi finals are scheduled to play on March 04 and March 05. The final of March 09 also has a reserve day. If India make it to the finals, will be played in UAE. If India don’t qualify the game will be played in Lahore.
Pakistan are the defending champions will kick off the tournament against New Zealand in Karachi. Pakistan’s last league match against Bangladesh will be played in Rawalpindi on February 27.
After both Indian and Pakistan boards came to a decision, ICC has revealed that Champions trophy will be played in hybrid model. Meanwhile in return, Pakistan matches at ICC events hosted by India till 2027 will be played at netural venue.
The agreement begins with Champions Trophy and will apply to the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup and 2026 men’s T20 World Cup in India which will be cohosted by India and Sri Lanka.
According to PCB draft schedule, the Champions trophy 2025 will be played between February 19 and March 09.
