Neutral venues to host future India-Pakistan ICC matches: ICC formalizes hybrid model

In a significant move to address political challenges, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved the use of neutral venues for all matches between India and Pakistan in ICC events scheduled from 2024 to 2027. This hybrid hosting model ensures that high-profile encounters between the two cricketing giants can proceed smoothly, regardless of geopolitical tensions.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be one of the first tournaments under this arrangement. While Pakistan holds the hosting rights, India’s matches are expected to be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This includes the highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan on February 23, which is likely to take place in Dubai.

The hybrid model was finalized following discussions between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB). “The PCB has picked the UAE as a neutral venue for the Champions Trophy,” said PCB spokesperson Amir Mir.

The ICC’s hybrid model extends beyond the Champions Trophy. It will apply to other major tournaments in the 2024-27 cycle, including:

• ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025: To be hosted by India, with neutral venues for India-Pakistan matches.
• ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with neutral venues for India-Pakistan games.

Additionally, the PCB has been awarded hosting rights for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028. Neutral venue arrangements will also apply to this tournament, ensuring continuity in the policy.

The decision reflects the ICC’s pragmatic approach to the strained political relations between the two nations. India has not toured Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008, and the last bilateral series between the two was held in India in 2012-13. Since then, their encounters have been limited to ICC tournaments and Asia Cups.

The Champions Trophy 2025 will showcase the effectiveness of the hybrid model. India’s group stage matches, including their encounters against Bangladesh (February 20) and New Zealand (March 2), are expected to be held in Dubai. Meanwhile, Pakistan will host matches in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.

The semifinals are scheduled for March 4 and 5, with the final slated for March 9 in Lahore. However, if India qualifies for the final, it may be moved to a neutral venue in the UAE.