PCB approves hybrid model for Champions Trophy, India-Pakistan clash to take place on THIS date
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed UAE as the neutral venue for the upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. This means that India will be playing their share of matches in the country while rest of the teams will be playing all their matches in Pakistan only. This move has finally ended the stand-off between BCCI and PCB which went on for several weeks.
Earlier, BCCI had informed the ICC that they won’t let Team India travel to Pakistan in order to participate in the tournament. In reply to this, the PCB stood firm on their stance of hosting all the matches of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan only.
However, the BCCI received ICC’s backing and on Thursday, the global body confirmed that the 2025 Champions Trophy will be played under the hybrid model, with India set to play all their matches at a neutral venue, including if the team reaches the semifinals and final.
“UAE was finalized as the venue after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with the Emirates Cricket Board chairman Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan,” PCB spokesman Amir Mir said in a statement on Sunday.
PCB however, did not confirm exactly where India’s matches will be held in UAE with Dubai is considered as the likeliest venue.
According to a report in ESPNCricinfo, India will play against Pakistan on February 23, a Sunday. The other teams in India’s group are Bangladesh and New Zealand. The Men in Blue will take on Bangladesh in their opener on February 20 and face the Kiwis on March 2.
The second group will comprise Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa. All matches, barring that of India, will be played across 3 cities in Pakistan namely – Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi.
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