India to play 2025 Champions Trophy on neutral ground, not Pakistan: ICC
Al Jazeera
The world cricketing body announces ICC events hosted in either country to be played at neutral venues until 2027.
India will play next year’s Champions Trophy matches on neutral ground after refusing to visit Pakistan, hosts and archrivals, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said following weeks of wrangling.
In return, Pakistan will also play upcoming ICC tournaments hosted by India in other countries, which are yet to be decided.
“India and Pakistan matches hosted by either country at ICC Events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at a neutral venue, the ICC Board confirmed,” said a statement released by the body on Thursday.
“This will apply to the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.”
The agreement will extend to 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, the statement added.
