Pakistan Bows To India's Demands; Dubai To Be Neutral Venue For ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Dubai has been selected as the neutral venue for the 2025 Champions Trophy [Source: @RevSportzGlobal/X.com]

In the latest news, following the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) agreement on a Hybrid Model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, reports suggest that the neutral venue for the ICC tournament has now been selected.

According to reports, Dubai has been chosen as the venue, which was expected. Pakistan has no issues with this location, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has always preferred Dubai for the tournament. The decision seems to have made both boards happy, with Dubai being the final choice for the big event.

The city’s excellent infrastructure and accessibility made it an obvious choice for the event. Dubai will host at least three group-stage matches, with the possibility of more if India advances to the semi-finals or finals. Both the ICC and broadcasters have backed the decision, making Dubai the perfect spot for the prestigious tournament. 

The Hybrid Model Agreement 

The decision to select a neutral venue is part of a broader agreement known as the "hybrid model," where India's matches will be held at a neutral location during tournaments hosted in Pakistan. Similarly, Pakistan’s matches in tournaments hosted by India will also take place at neutral venues. 

This agreement starts with the 2025 Champions Trophy and includes other events like the Women’s ODI World Cup in India and the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The arrangement is designed to keep the India-Pakistan matches neutral and avoid any political tension between the two nations. Future Tournaments and Neutral Venues The hybrid model will continue for future tournaments, with the 2028 Women's T20 World Cup in Pakistan also expected to follow the same format. 

The host country will propose a neutral venue, which must be approved by the ICC. For now, Dubai seems to be the frontrunner, although Sri Lanka has also been mentioned as a potential location. The agreement also discusses the possibility of a triangular or quadrangular T20 series involving India, Pakistan, and other Asian nations. 

However, details about such events are still being worked out between the BCCI and PCB, with no public announcements expected from ICC directors. 

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