India vs. Pakistan Clash in 2025 Champions Trophy Set for UAE on February 23
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will feature a notable match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan on February 23 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This decision follows India’s refusal to play matches in Pakistan, the official host nation, due to longstanding political tensions.
The tournament, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, adopts a hybrid model to accommodate these concerns. Group A comprises Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B includes Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa. Pakistan will commence the tournament against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19, with subsequent matches in Lahore and Rawalpindi. In contrast, India’s group stage matches—against Bangladesh on February 20, Pakistan on February 23, and New Zealand on March 2—are slated for venues in the UAE, primarily Dubai.
The semi-finals are planned for March 4 and 5, with the final on March 9. If India advances to the semi-finals or final, those matches will be held in the UAE; otherwise, they will take place in Pakistan. This arrangement ensures that India and Pakistan do not play on each other’s soil, addressing security and diplomatic concerns.
This hybrid hosting model extends beyond the Champions Trophy. It will apply to upcoming ICC events, including the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup in India, the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, and the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup in Pakistan. The agreement stipulates that matches between India and Pakistan in these tournaments will occur at neutral venues, maintaining consistency in addressing bilateral tensions.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have invested significantly in upgrading Pakistani stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi to host the Champions Trophy. Despite the hybrid model, these venues will host matches not involving India, ensuring that Pakistan retains a substantial role as the official host.
This arrangement reflects a compromise to facilitate India’s participation without compromising on security concerns. It underscores the ICC’s commitment to accommodating member nations’ concerns while promoting the sport globally. The India-Pakistan match on February 23 is anticipated to be a highlight of the tournament, given the historic rivalry and the rarity of their encounters in recent years.