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Matches between politically-estranged rivals India and Pakistan at ICC events that either nation is due to host will be played at neutral venues, the International Cricket Council said yesterday ending uncertainty over next year’s Champions Trophy.
The arrangement will apply to two major ICC events next year – the men’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the women’s ODI World Cup in India.
It will also be in place for the men’s T20 World Cup in 2026, which India will co-host alongside Sri Lanka, and the women’s T20 World Cup in 2028 in Pakistan, the ICC said.
“The match schedule for the men’s Champions Trophy 2025 will be confirmed in the coming days,” the ICC said in a statement.
Pakistan visited India for the 50-overs World Cup last year but the Indian cricket board (BCCI) has decided not to send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy next year, citing government advice.
Pakistan also hosted the Asia Cup last year but winners India played all their matches in Sri Lanka.
The Pakistan Cricket Board initially rejected the idea of adopting that ‘hybrid model’ for the Champions Trophy before accepting it on condition that they would be allowed similar favours for ICC events in India.
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