Sources Dawn News

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has chosen the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the neutral venue for India’s matches in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, set to take place in Pakistan.

A PCB spokesperson confirmed the decision, stating that determining the neutral venue was Pakistan’s prerogative. Consequently, high-stakes India-Pakistan matches will be held in the UAE.

The final agreement followed a meeting between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and UAE Minister of Tolerance Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan in Ghotki. Sheikh Nahyan, who also chairs the UAE Cricket Board, pledged support for the event’s success and reaffirmed the strong ties between the two nations.

Naqvi extended an invitation to Sheikh Nahyan to attend the tournament in Pakistan, emphasizing mutual cooperation in promoting cricket.

As per the Press Trust of India, Dubai has been confirmed as the neutral venue for India’s games. The ICC is expected to finalize the tournament schedule, with Pakistan hosting 9–10 matches of the eight-nation event.

This arrangement stems from a two-way hybrid model proposed by the PCB, which ensures similar provisions for Pakistan when tournaments are hosted in India through 2027. The model also applies to next year’s Women’s World Cup in India and the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

The Champions Trophy promises to showcase thrilling cricket while highlighting diplomatic collaboration through sports.