The ICC has announced a hybrid hosting model for the 2025 Men’s Champions Trophy, with matches to be held in Pakistan and at neutral venues. The decision, revealed on Thursday, addresses ongoing political tensions and safety concerns surrounding fixtures between India and Pakistan.
As part of the broader 2024-2027 ICC events cycle, all India-Pakistan clashes during ICC tournaments will be played at neutral venues. This includes marquee events such as the 2025 Women’s World Cup in India and the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had raised safety concerns about traveling to Pakistan, while the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) emphasized the need for reciprocity after their participation in the 2023 World Cup hosted by India. The hybrid model aims to ensure smooth operations and safeguard players and fans.
The 2025 Champions Trophy, featuring eight top teams — Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and Pakistan — will take place in February-March. Pakistan, the defending champions from 2017, will host the tournament for the first time since the event’s inception in 1998.
Pakistan has also secured hosting rights for the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup, with neutral venues planned for India-Pakistan encounters in that tournament as well.
