Kumar Bahukhandi
Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam – Photo : Social Media
The ICC made it clear that all matches between India and Pakistan will be played at neutral venues. This means that now both the teams will not tour each other’s country in any ICC tournament. This rule will remain in force till 2024-2027.
The Champions Trophy is to be held in February and March next year. On Thursday December 19,2024 , the International Cricket Council (ICC) made it clear that all the matches between India and Pakistan will be played at neutral venues. This means that now both the teams will not tour each other’s country in any ICC tournament and matches between the two teams will be played at a neutral venue. This rule will remain in force till 2024-2027. This has made one thing clear that the Champions Trophy will be organized in a hybrid model only.
The rule will be applicable in these tournaments
The ICC said that matches between India and Pakistan in any ICC tournament between 2024-27 will be played at a neutral venue. This rule will be applicable to the upcoming Champions Trophy, Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (hosted by India) and Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (hosted by India and Sri Lanka). Apart from this, the ICC has given the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) the rights to host the Women’s T20 World Cup to be held in 2028. During this time also, matches between India and Pakistan will be played at a neutral venue.
The schedule of the Champions Trophy will be announced soon
The ICC has not yet confirmed the schedule of the Champions Trophy. The ICC said that the schedule of the upcoming tournament will be announced soon. It is believed that all the matches of India can be played in Dubai. A total of eight teams will participate in this tournament, which include Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand and South Africa apart from India and Pakistan.
