Pakistan’s white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan and Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi on December 24 lauded the International Cricket Council (ICC) after the announcement of Champions Trophy 2025 for adopting a hybrid model.
After a long gap of 28 years, Pakistan will host an ICC event but India will play their matches in UAE.
“As a cricket-loving country, we are all very excited to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. It is a great occasion as Pakistan welcomes the first ICC event to its shores in 28 years and especially as we are the defending champions,” Rizwan said in a PCB media release.
“We eagerly look forward to playing in front of our home crowd,” he added.
The PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi who was against hybrid model at first is content after the agreement ICC, BCCI and PCB reached on playing ICC matches at neutral venues.
India will play Pakistan in their group stage clash in Dubai in February 23. “We are pleased that an agreement has been reached based on the principles of equality and respect, showcasing the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that defines our sport,” Naqvi said in the release.
Pakistan and New Zealand will be playing their inaugural match of the tournament.
Both the semi finals and final will have a reserve day and all 15 matches are day night encounters starting at 14:00 Pakistan Standard Time.
Check out the full fixtures for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. pic.twitter.com/oecuikydca
— ICC (@ICC) December 24, 2024
“Hosting the Champions Trophy is a significant milestone for Pakistan, highlighting our commitment to promoting cricket at the highest level and showcasing our capabilities as a premier event organiser,” Naqvi noted.
“Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the ICC members who played a constructive role in helping us achieve a mutually beneficial solution.”
The final’s venue will depend on India. If India qualify for the final, then it will be played in Dubai. Otherwise, the final on February 19 will be played at Gaddafi Stadium.
The Champions trophy is set to return after eight years and faced several conflicts between BCCI and PCB about Indian team not travelling to Pakistan.
After ICC’s intervention, PCB accepted the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025 on conditions with India-Pakistan matches to be played in neutral venue for next three years.
