Champions Trophy 2025: PCB confirms UAE as neutral venue

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has designated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the neutral venue for India’s matches in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, following India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on December 19 that all India’s matches, including potential semifinals and the final, will be played at a neutral venue under a hybrid hosting model.

While the PCB did not specify the exact location in the UAE, Dubai is widely expected to host the matches. India has three group-stage games in



the tournament, including a highly anticipated clash with Pakistan. Should India advance, the UAE will also host one of the semifinals and the final.

The decision resolves a standoff between the two cricketing rivals and clears the way for the ICC to announce the schedule for the eight-team, 50-over tournament, slated for February-March.

India and Pakistan have not toured each other’s countries since 2012 due to ongoing political tensions, with their cricketing interactions limited to neutral venues and ICC events.