ICC Champions Trophy: India vs Pakistan league match slated for February 23

The anticipation for the ICC Champions Trophy has finally shifted towards the tournament as the long-standing India vs Pakistan debacle has come to a conclusion. Pakistan, the defending champions of the marquee event, secured the hosting rights for the 2025 Champions Trophy. India raised concerns over its players’ security in the neighboring nation before refusing to travel across the tense borders. After months of tussle between the cricket boards of both countries, the ICC has issued a final resolution. All ICC events scheduled to be held in either India or Pakistan during the 2024–27 cycle will now be played at neutral venues.

PCB opts UAE as the neutral venue for 2025 ICC Champions Trophy

While Pakistan visited their neighbors for the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup, India was never confident about the security arrangements in Pakistan. Ever since the borders were drawn in 1947, the two nations have shared a strained relationship, with political tensions remaining a consistent factor. The gruesome 26/11 terror attacks acted as the final nail in the coffin, leading to the cessation of all bilateral cricketing ties. India has not toured Pakistan for any series since the 2008 Asia Cup. When Pakistan was announced as the host for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, India stood firm on its stance.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to send the team to Pakistan for the ICC event. The dispute escalated when Pakistan also held its ground, refusing to agree to either a hybrid model or relinquish its hosting rights. Initially, Pakistan threatened to abandon the event entirely if India insisted on a neutral venue. However, after months of deliberation and ICC intervention, the PCB eventually reconsidered its stance. On December 19, the Pakistan Cricket Board formally agreed to a hybrid model.

Additionally, the ICC confirmed that all events scheduled in either India or Pakistan during the 2024–27 cycle will be played at neutral venues. This arrangement will also apply to the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup, which is slated to take place in Pakistan. For the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, the PCB has chosen the UAE to host India’s matches during the championship.

India and Pakistan placed in the same group for the ICC Champions Trophy

As per the latest update on the ICC event, India is set to face Pakistan in the league stage on February 23, 2025. According to reports, India has been placed in the same group as Pakistan, along with Bangladesh and New Zealand. India will begin their campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh. Following this, they will face the hosts before squaring off against New Zealand on March 2. All of India’s league matches are expected to be held in Dubai.

The other group, meanwhile, consists of England, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan. The tournament will kick off with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi on February 19. Except for the fixtures involving India, all other matches will be held across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi in Pakistan. The two semi-finals are scheduled for March 4 and March 5. Notably, the first semi-final will not have a reserve day, unlike the second. If India reaches the semi-finals, the first match will be held in the UAE. Otherwise, both semi-finals will take place in Pakistan. Furthermore, if India advances to the final, the title clash of the ICC Champions Trophy will also be held in the UAE.

The agreement between India and Pakistan regarding the hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy was finalized after both parties consented to the condition that either team would play at neutral venues if the other was hosting the event. This arrangement extends to the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup in India and the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. It will also apply to the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup.