PCB names UAE as neutral venue for India’s matches amid bilateral neutral venue agreement

In a landmark decision, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that India’s matches in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held at a neutral venue in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This decision reflects a broader agreement confirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) that all bilateral matches between India and Pakistan during ICC events from 2024 to 2027 will be played at neutral venues, irrespective of which country is hosting the event.

The PCB’s announcement followed discussions between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. A PCB spokesperson confirmed that the ICC has been officially notified of the decision, putting an end to months of speculation about the venue for India’s matches in the tournament.

While the Champions Trophy will primarily be held in Pakistan, India’s matches will take place in UAE venues as part of the hybrid model proposed by the ICC. This decision comes in light of the Indian government’s refusal to permit its players to travel to Pakistan for the tournament.

The ICC had previously announced a hybrid hosting model for the Champions Trophy, which will also apply to future ICC events hosted by either country. Under the agreement, Pakistan will play its matches at neutral venues during ICC events hosted by India.

This includes:

• The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, hosted by India
• The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka

The agreement ensures that cricketing ties between the two nations remain uninterrupted despite political tensions, with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasizing that the board’s priority is to “ensure cricket does not suffer.”