A highly anticipated showdown between the two arch rivals India and Pakistan in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, is set to take place on February 23, 2025, at a neutral venue in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
India will play their matches in the UAE due to their decision to play their matches at neutral venue instead of travelling to Pakistan. According to ESPNCricinfo, the decision was made after Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with UAE minister and head of Emirates Cricket Board Sheikh Nahyan Al Mubarak in Pakistan.
"The PCB has picked the UAE as a neutral venue for the Champions Trophy," PCB spokesperson Amir Mir said.
Recently, the long-standing stand-off between India and Pakistan was resolved by the ICC after it announced that Champions Trophy will be held in hybrid model. Along with Pakistan, India also have New Zealand and Bangladesh in Group A.
India will begin their campaign on February 20 by taking on Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Pakistan, who are the defending champions, will kick off their campaign on February 19 by clashing with New Zealand in Karachi. Group B features Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa.