The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 will be played across hosts Pakistan and neutral venue, confirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday.
This decision is part of a broader arrangement where matches between India and Pakistan at ICC events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at neutral locations, ensuring logistical and security feasibility.
The ‘fusion formula’ will apply to major ICC tournaments after Champions Trophy, including the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (to be hosted by India) and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka).
Under this formula, the knockout stage matches, including the final, will be played at neutral venue if India and Pakistan qualify.
The PCB has also been awarded hosting rights for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028.
Sources indicate that this agreement is part of a compensation to Pakistan for financial losses due to India’s refusal to participate in the Champions Trophy 2025 on Pakistani soil.
The Pakistan Cricket Board reportedly rejected India’s initial offer of monetary compensation for the Champions Trophy losses.
Instead, it successfully proposed a ‘fusion formula’, which was subsequently approved by the ICC.
Under this arrangement, Pakistan will host 10 games of the eight-team Champions Trophy, including matches featuring Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand, and South Africa.
However, India’s league games, including the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash, will be staged in Dubai.
Cricket Australia is also slated to host one of the ICC’s senior women’s events during the 2029-2031 cycle.
Meanwhile, the schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where Pakistan aims to defend the title they won in 2017, is expected to be announced soon.
