Dubai to host all India matches in the Champions Trophy as part of the agreed Hybrid Model for the tournament.
Dubai has been confirmed as the venue for all matches of the Champions Trophy 2025 involving India. This includes one of the semi-finals and possibly the final, too, if India get there.
According to the schedule, which was formally made public by the ICC on Tuesday, “India will play in the semi-final 1 if they qualify” and “Pakistan will play in the semi-final 2 if they qualify” in Dubai. Additionally, the final will be held in Lahore, but “if India qualifies for the final it will be played in Dubai.” According to an ICC release, reserve days will be available for both the semifinals and the championship match.
Following a meeting between PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Sheikh Nahyan Al Mubarak in Pakistan, the decision was made to hold India’s matches at the eight-team Champions Trophy in the United Arab Emirates, rather than in Pakistan, the official host nation.
Naqvi, the PCB chairman, said, “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.
“Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the ICC members who played a constructive role in helping us achieve a mutually beneficial solution. Their efforts have been invaluable in promoting the interests of international cricket.”
The highly anticipated group stage encounter between India and Pakistan is scheduled on Sunday, February 23. In that group, New Zealand and Bangladesh are the other two teams. India will play New Zealand on March 2 and Bangladesh on February 20.
On February 19, Pakistan, the tournament’s reigning winners, will play New Zealand in Karachi to get things started. On February 27, Pakistan will play their final league game at Rawalpindi against Bangladesh.
South Africa, Australia, England, and Afghanistan make up the second group. With the exception of the India games, the matches for both groups will take place in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.
After the parties reached an agreement that, in exchange. Pakistan’s matches in ICC events hosted by India through 2027 would likewise take place at neutral locations. The hybrid model was finalised. In every situation, neutral locations will also host knockout matches, including the semifinal and championship game.
Beginning with the Champions Trophy, the agreement will also apply to the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup. This is hosted by India and Sri Lanka. And the 2025 women’s ODI World Cup in India. It will also apply to the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup, which has already been given to Pakistan and is the opening competition of the upcoming events cycle.