The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, allowing India to play its matches at neutral venues instead of Pakistan.
According to a reports , the arrangement extends to other ICC events hosted by India until 2027, where Pakistan’s matches will also take place at neutral venues.
The agreement outlines that during the 2024-2027 ICC event cycle, all India-Pakistan matches will be played at neutral locations. This includes the 2025 Men’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan, the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup in India, and the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
However, the final venue for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 remains undecided. Pakistan had initially proposed hosting the final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, raising questions about the location if India advances to the championship match.
Additionally, the hybrid model may apply to the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup, which Pakistan is set to host as the first competition of the next ICC cycle.
The ICC has also expressed no objection to a proposed triangular T20 tournament featuring India, Pakistan, and another Asian team (or a quadrangular including an Associate Asian country), provided it is held at a neutral venue. This series was suggested as compensation for Pakistan’s inability to host India’s Champions Trophy matches.
