The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held under a hybrid model, with matches hosted in both Pakistan and the UAE. Pakistan has agreed to this arrangement, paving the way for a highly anticipated tournament. The much-awaited India-Pakistan group stage match is scheduled to take place in Dubai on March 1, with India playing all its matches in the UAE, including two knockout games.
Venue Finalization in Dubai Meeting
An important ICC meeting, chaired by new chairman Jay Shah, took place in Dubai, where the hybrid model was finalized. All 15 board members, including the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), approved the decision. Although ICC has yet to officially confirm the venue, it is expected to release the detailed tournament schedule by December 7. The Champions Trophy will kick off in February, running through March. Pakistan, the defending champions, secured the title by defeating India in the 2017 final.
Distribution of Matches: UAE and Pakistan
The tournament will feature 15 matches among eight teams. Five matches, including India’s group stage games, one semi-final, and the final, will be played in the UAE. The remaining 10 matches will take place in Pakistan. Despite some resistance, the PCB’s demands were largely rejected by the ICC. One notable request was for a tri-series involving India at a neutral venue, which was declined by both ICC and BCCI.
PCB’s Demands and ICC's Rejection
Among the PCB's demands was holding future tournaments in India at neutral venues, citing concerns over hosting conditions. However, BCCI assured there were no security issues, leading to the rejection of this demand. Despite losing hosting rights for five matches, the PCB secured financial compensation from the ICC.
The India-Pakistan Rivalry
The PCB also proposed separating Pakistan and India into different groups to ensure Pakistan could play all its group matches at home. However, ICC, BCCI, and broadcasters rejected the idea due to the massive viewership that an India-Pakistan match garners. As a result, both the teams can clash on March 1 in Dubai, a game that will undoubtedly capture global attention.
PCB sought an increase in its annual revenue share by 5.75% and requested that all major ICC events in India until 2031 adopt a hybrid model. Initially, Pakistan was reluctant to agree to the hybrid format, insisting that India should play in Pakistan. However, after BCCI’s firm stance, the PCB conceded to the current model, ensuring a compromise for the tournament's smooth conduct.
With the schedule to be finalized soon, anticipation is high for the tournament, especially the India-Pakistan showdown, which remains a highlight of any international cricket tournament.
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