India’s 2025 Champions Trophy Matches to Be Held in UAE, Confirms PCB
Emirates to Host India’s Games While Pakistan Retains Majority Hosting Rights in ICC’s Hybrid Model

PCB Confirms UAE as Neutral Venue for India’s Matches in 2025 Champions Trophy
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially announced on Monday that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will serve as the neutral venue for all of India’s matches during the 2025 Champions Trophy. This decision resolves the long-standing deadlock between the PCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the tournament’s logistics.
Due to security concerns, India had previously notified the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it would not be sending a squad to Pakistan for the eight-team ODI tournament. At first, there was a lot of conflict over this choice. The PCB was disappointed and even threatened to stop hosting the tournament altogether. Nonetheless, the ICC attempted to mediate the matter in support of the BCCI’s position, especially in view of the ongoing turmoil in Islamabad.
The 2025 Champions Trophy will use a hybrid approach, the ICC revealed in an official statement on Thursday. India’s matches, including potential semifinal and final appearances, will take place in a neutral venue under this agreement, while the rest of the tournament will be played in Pakistan.
The UAE was selected after talks between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Chairman Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, according to PCB spokesperson Amir Mir.Mir claims that the PCB has formally notified the ICC of the decision.
UAE Venues: Dubai Is a Good Option
Given its cutting-edge cricketing facilities and prior experience staging important international matches, Dubai is thought to be the most likely venue for India’s matches in the United Arab Emirates, even if the PCB’s announcement did not name the precise location.
Match Schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025
According to ESPNCricinfo, the tournament schedule includes an anticipated India-Pakistan clash on February 23, which is set for a Sunday. India will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 and conclude their group-stage matches against New Zealand on March 2. The reigning champions, Pakistan, will play their first group match at Rawalpindi on February 27 after playing New Zealand in Karachi on February 19.
There are two groups in the competition. Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa make up Group B, while India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh make up Group A. The remaining matches, with the exception of the India games, will take place in the cities of Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi in Pakistan.
In addition to guaranteeing India’s participation, this hybrid hosting arrangement keeps Pakistan as the major host, preventing additional disputes between the two cricketing boards and enabling the competition to continue.