The Champions Trophy 2025 is likely to be played across Pakistan and the UAE as India and Pakistan have reached an informal agreement. With the ICC board meeting scheduled on Saturday, a formal announcement is expected from the sports governing body.
According to the report, an understanding was reached with all the important stakeholders ICC chairman Jay Shah, PCB head coach Mohsin Naqvi, BCCI’s representative to ICC secretary Devajit Saikia and broadcasters Jiostar present in Dubai, a BCCI official in the know of things said.
“It’s been agreed in principle by all parties that the 2025 Champions Trophy will be held in the UAE and Pakistan with India playing its matches in Dubai. It’s a win-win situation for all stakeholders,” said the ICC source.
It is said that Pakistan will not travel to India and play their matches in Sri Lanka when India and Sri Lanka jointly host the 2026 T20 World Cup. However, the arrangements for next year’s women’s ODI World Cup to be held in India are yet to be worked out.
“During the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup, Pakistan will play its matches in Sri Lanka. The compensation demanded by PCB for the Champions Trophy hybrid model is still under consideration,” the source said.
PCB has sought time to consult its government due to which the board meeting was postponed to Saturday. It they receive an all clear, the new understanding might get formalised.
“Cricket should win, that’s most important but with respect for all. We are going to do what’s best for cricket. Whichever formula we go for, it would be on equal terms,” said PCB head Mohsin Naqvi.
India has not travelled to Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which had 150 casualities. Their last bilateral engagement was back in 2012. Their last refusal to travel has been blamed on security concerns and the ICC has stated more than once that it does not expect any member board to go against government travel advisories.
