Champions Trophy 2025: ICC Approves Tri-Series Featuring India and Pakistan with a Neutral Venue Condition
The much-debated Champions Trophy 2025 is set to proceed after a resolution to India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan was reached. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a hybrid model for the tournament, ensuring that all matches involving India will take place at a neutral venue. This decision follows months of discussions between the ICC and the cricket boards of India and Pakistan.
PCB’s Compensation: A Tri-Series Approved
In addition to the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy, the ICC has reportedly agreed to one of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) demands. According to ESPN Cricinfo, the ICC has greenlit the possibility of a tri-series featuring India, Pakistan, and another full-member Asian nation. The format could also extend to a quadrangular series if an associate member from Asia is included.
However, there is a catch: the tri-series will only be allowed if played at a neutral venue. This concession comes as part of the ICC’s effort to balance the demands of both cricketing nations amidst the long-standing political tensions that prevent bilateral series.
Neutral Venues for India-Pakistan Matches Until 2027
As part of the broader resolution, the ICC confirmed that all matches between India and Pakistan in ICC events during the 2024-27 cycle will adhere to the hybrid model.
For the Champions Trophy 2025, India will not travel to Pakistan, and their matches will take place at a neutral venue.
Similarly, Pakistan will not travel to India for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 or the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka.
This agreement ensures that both nations can participate in ICC tournaments without compromising their respective stances on hosting.
Champions Trophy 2025: Hybrid Model in Action
The hybrid model was previously tested during the Asia Cup 2023, where matches were split between Pakistan and a neutral venue (Sri Lanka). The Champions Trophy 2025 will follow a similar structure, with Pakistan hosting matches for participating nations except India, whose games will be scheduled at a neutral location yet to be finalized.
The Road Ahead
While the hybrid model resolves the immediate concerns for the Champions Trophy, the ICC’s approval of a tri-series indicates a potential path to maintaining cricketing ties between India and Pakistan in a non-bilateral format. This development is expected to spark excitement among fans while ensuring a level playing field for all participating teams.
The ICC is yet to announce the finalized venues and the participating nations for the tri-series, but the decision underscores cricket’s adaptability in navigating complex political challenges.
Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story and the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule.