The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Thursday that the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, hosted by Pakistan, will feature matches between India and Pakistan at neutral venues. This arrangement will apply to all ICC events hosted by India and Pakistan during the 2024-27 rights cycle.
The ICC confirmed that neutral venues would also be used for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (hosted by India) and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (hosted by India and Sri Lanka). Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was also awarded hosting rights for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028 under similar arrangements.
The Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled for February and March, will see Pakistan aiming to defend their 2017 title. Participating teams include Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa and hosts Pakistan.
India and Pakistan have not toured each other since 2008 due to strained political relations, with bilateral series last held in 2012-13 in India. Matches between the arch-rivals have been limited to ICC tournaments and Asia Cups.
The ICC also revealed that Cricket Australia will host a senior women’s ICC event between 2029 and 2031. The Champions Trophy schedule is expected to be announced soon, with anticipation building for the clash of cricketing giants.