India Matches Confirmed in Dubai
The Champions Trophy 2025 will see all matches involving India hosted in Dubai, including a semi-final and possibly the final. The final, originally planned for Lahore, will shift to Dubai if India qualifies. This decision is part of a hybrid hosting model aimed at balancing political and logistical challenges.
The official ICC schedule specifies that semi-final 1 will feature India, if qualified, in Dubai. Similarly, semi-final 2, involving Pakistan, will occur in Pakistan. Both matches include reserve days. The marquee group-stage match between India and Pakistan is scheduled for February 23, a Sunday.
- Dubai will host all of India’s matches in the tournament.
- If India reaches the final, it will also be played in Dubai instead of Lahore.
- Group matches include India vs. Pakistan, India vs. Bangladesh, and India vs. New Zealand.
UAE’s Role in Hosting India Matches
The decision stems from diplomatic discussions between the PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Sheikh Nahyan Al Mubarak, a senior UAE minister and head of the Emirates Cricket Board. The UAE’s involvement ensures logistical ease for India’s participation, bypassing challenges in Pakistan.
PCB Chairman Naqvi expressed gratitude to ICC members for facilitating this agreement. He highlighted the importance of equality and cooperation in promoting international cricket.
Tournament Format and Venue Details
The eight-team tournament is divided into two groups:
- Group A: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand.
- Group B: Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa.
Pakistan’s Matches
- Pakistan will play its opener against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi.
- Their final group match against Bangladesh is set for February 27 in Rawalpindi.
India’s Matches
- February 20: India vs. Bangladesh.
- February 23: India vs. Pakistan.
- March 2: India vs. New Zealand.
Other group-stage games will take place in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, ensuring diverse hosting across Pakistan.
Hybrid Model: A Collaborative Approach
The hybrid hosting agreement introduces neutral venues for critical matches in ICC events. For Pakistan, this ensures matches hosted by India will also be held at neutral venues. This arrangement extends to major tournaments, including:
- 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup in India.
- 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
- 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup in Pakistan.
This cooperative strategy underscores the ICC’s commitment to inclusivity and the smooth execution of global tournaments.
Reserve Days and Match Logistics
Both semi-finals, scheduled for March 4 and March 5, will include reserve days to account for weather disruptions. While Dubai’s climate is typically dry in March, the precautionary measure ensures uninterrupted play.
The unique scheduling and hybrid model showcase the ICC’s adaptability in navigating international cricket’s complex landscape.
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