The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 will be played in hosts Pakistan and at a neutral venue, confirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday.
This decision is part of a broader agreement under which matches between India and Pakistan in ICC events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at neutral venues, ensuring logistical and security viability.
The ‘merger formula’ will apply to major ICC tournaments after the Champions Trophy, including the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup (hosted in India) and the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka).
According to this formula, the knockout stage matches, including the final, will be played at a neutral venue if India and Pakistan qualify.
The PCB has also been awarded hosting rights for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028.
Sources indicate that this agreement is part of compensation to Pakistan for financial losses due to India’s refusal to participate in the 2025 Champions Trophy on Pakistani soil.
The Pakistan Cricket Board rejected India’s initial offer of monetary compensation for Champions Trophy losses.
Instead, it successfully proposed a “merger formula”, which was subsequently approved by the ICC.
Under this agreement, Pakistan will host 10 eight-team Champions Trophy matches, including matches with Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand and South Africa.
However, Indian league matches, including the much-awaited India-Pakistan clash, will be held in Dubai.
Cricket Australia is also scheduled to host one of the ICC senior women’s events during the 2029-2031 cycle.
Meanwhile, the schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where Pakistan aim to defend the title they won in 2017, is expected to be announced soon.
