Pakistan vs India Set for 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai

Pakistan will face India in the 2025 Champions Trophy on February 23 in Dubai, as confirmed by the ICC. The tournament returns after an eight-year hiatus, with Pakistan and Dubai hosting matches. The agreement also establishes that Pakistan will not play in India during the 2024-27 cycle.

Pakistan is set to clash with arch-rival India in a high-stakes group match during the 2025 Champions Trophy scheduled for February 23 in Dubai. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed the tournament schedule following a month-long delay attributed to India’s security concerns over traveling to Pakistan. While Pakistan will host a minimum of ten matches across cities including Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore, India will compete in three Group A fixtures against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand in Dubai. The ICC Chair, Jay Shah, expressed enthusiasm about the tournament’s return after its absence since 2017, highlighting that it will feature eight teams contending for the prestigious title.

Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa will have their Group B matches played in Pakistan, while defending champions Pakistan will be hosting their inaugural global cricket event since 1996. After considerable discussions among ICC Board members, an agreement has been reached indicating that Pakistan will not play in India during the 2024-27 cycle, a reciprocal action to India’s refusal to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Consequently, Pakistan is expected to play at neutral venues for future events hosted by India, including the 2025 women’s World Cup and the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup alongside Sri Lanka.

The ICC Champions Trophy, a prominent cricket tournament held every four years, returns to prominence in 2025 with Pakistan hosting a significant portion of the matches. This tournament has been characterized by longstanding political tensions impacting cricketing relations between India and Pakistan, specifically regarding venue choices and security considerations. The ICC’s recent arrangements reflect attempts to balance sporting commitments with safety concerns. This will be the first global cricket event hosted by Pakistan in nearly three decades, emphasizing the country’s role in international cricket. Notably, the tournament aims to display Pakistan’s organizational capabilities while enhancing regional cooperation in sports.

In summary, the upcoming Champions Trophy is poised to be a landmark event for Pakistan, rekindling the rivalry with India amidst complex geopolitical dynamics. With matches hosted in both Pakistan and Dubai, the tournament is a testament to cricket’s resilience in navigating political challenges. The announcement of hosting agreements and future events underscores mutual respect and cooperation within the cricketing community, a promising step towards broader collaboration in international sports.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com