India to play ICC Champions Trophy matches in Dubai, not Pakistan – #INA

The Champions Trophy 2025 will now be held in Pakistan and Dubai, after hosts Pakistan chosen the UAE as a impartial venue for his or her rivals India, the Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC) stated.

The venue change adopted weeks of wrangling after India refused to go to Pakistan for his or her matches.

Event holders Pakistan will now need to journey to Dubai to play India in a match on 23 February, and once more, if the perimeters have been to satisfy, within the remaining on March 9.

“Lahore may even host the ultimate on 9 March, except India qualify, by which case will probably be performed in Dubai. Each the semi-finals and the ultimate could have reserve days,” the ICC stated in a press release on Tuesday.

“The three group matches involving India, in addition to the primary semi-final, can be performed in Dubai.”

The eight-team competitors kicks off on February 19 in Karachi, that includes a complete of 15 matches throughout Pakistan and Dubai.

Event matches can be held in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi. Every venue within the nation is about to host three group-stage video games, with Lahore additionally staging the second semifinal.

Pakistan face New Zealand within the Group A opener in Karachi on February 19, whereas India meet Bangladesh in Dubai a day later.

Attributable to strained political ties, India haven’t toured Pakistan since 2008, and the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI), citing authorities recommendation, has refused to ship its workforce for the Champions Trophy.

The ICC stated final week that matches between India and Pakistan in tournaments from 2024 to 2027 organised in both nation can be performed at impartial venues.

The Champions Trophy would be the first ICC occasion hosted by Pakistan because it shared the 1996 World Cup with India and Sri Lanka.