The ICC Champions Trophy 2025: A Hybrid Model Unveiled
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially approved a groundbreaking hybrid model for the upcoming Champions Trophy in 2025. This innovative approach will see the tournament held in Dubai and Pakistan, marking a significant development in international cricket.
On Thursday, December 19, the ICC endorsed proposals that allow for cricket matches involving India and Pakistan to be played at neutral venues when a tournament is hosted by the rival nation. This decision reflects the ongoing complexities in cricket diplomacy, especially between these two cricketing giants.
A spokesperson for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed to Agence France-Presse that the Dubai International Cricket Stadium has been selected to host India’s matches during the Champions Trophy. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had previously indicated its reluctance to send the national team to Pakistan for this prestigious tournament.
As a result, India’s fixtures in the Champions Trophy will take place at the 25,000-seat Dubai International Cricket Stadium, located in Dubai Sports City. If India advances to the semi-finals and finals, those matches will also be hosted in Dubai, as reported by South Asian news agency ANI. Meanwhile, Pakistan is set to host the majority of the matches, having been officially designated as the host nation back in 2021.
The Champions Trophy is renowned as one of the most esteemed tournaments in men’s international cricket, utilizing the One Day International (ODI) format. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is poised to be a key venue for this much-anticipated event.
Neutral Venue Agreement and Future Tournaments
Under the terms of the agreement reached between the ICC, BCCI, and PCB, neutral venues will be designated for all matches involving Pakistan at tournaments hosted by India, and vice versa, extending through 2028. This arrangement will apply not only to the Champions Trophy but also to the Women’s Cricket World Cup in India in 2025 and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in 2026. Furthermore, the PCB has been granted hosting rights for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028, where the neutral venue stipulations will continue to apply.
Understanding the ICC Champions Trophy
The Champions Trophy features the top eight ranked men’s teams from the group stage of the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Pakistan, as the official host country, will be joined by other cricketing powerhouses, including India, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand, and South Africa. The official schedule for the tournament will be announced soon, but initial plans indicate that the event will take place from Wednesday, February 19, 2025, to Sunday, March 9, 2025.
Notably, only India’s matches will be played in the UAE, while all other fixtures are expected to be held in key cities throughout Pakistan such as Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. This will mark the first occurrence of the Champions Trophy since 2017, a significant return for this prestigious tournament.
Earlier this year, Dubai and Sharjah stepped in as hosts for the Women’s T20 World Cup at the last minute, replacing Bangladesh as the original venue. The UAE has become a favored location for major cricket tournaments, with its vast expatriate population hailing from cricket-loving nations, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere during the Champions Trophy.
As anticipation builds for this exciting event, tickets have yet to be released. Cricket enthusiasts are encouraged to keep an eye on Time Out Dubai for the latest updates, as this tournament is expected to be one of the most sought-after sporting events in the region.
Event Details:
- Event: ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Dates: February 19 – March 9, 2025
- Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai Sports City
- Ticket Information: To be confirmed soon
- Official Website: icc-cricket.com
Explore Dubai During the Champions Trophy
While in Dubai, don’t miss out on the various attractions and experiences the city has to offer:
- Christmas Day Brunches: Reserve your table early to enjoy festive meals.
- Restaurants Featuring Holiday Menus: Indulge in delicious holiday roasts throughout December.
- Rooftop Bars: Experience stunning views and refreshing drinks at the best rooftop venues in Dubai.
