After much unnecessary grandstanding, a resolution has finally been reached regarding the hosting and venue of next year’s Champions Trophy India clashes, as the International Cricket Council announced on Thursday that India will play their matches of the 50-over event at a neutral venue instead of host country Pakistan, who will similarly play at neutral venues for ICC tournaments to be held in India till 2027.
The decision will also apply to the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in Pakistan. Though no formal announcement has been made as yet, India’s Champions Trophy matches are likely to be held in the United Arab Emirates.
“The ICC Board has approved that all matches between India and Pakistan played at ICC Events during the current rights cycle from 2024 to 2027 (which are to be hosted in India or Pakistan) will be played at a neutral venue proposed by the tournament host,” an ICC statement read.
The resolution will also cover the 2025 Women’s World Cup in India and the T20 World Cup in 2026, to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
India had said no to travel to Pakistan for the event scheduled in February-March due to security concerns. The Indians have not played in Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 150 people were killed. The two countries’ last bilateral engagement was all the way back in 2012.
