India to play Champions Trophy matches at neutral venue
The International Cricket Council has announced that India will play next year’s Champions Trophy matches at neutral venues.
The eight-team tournament in February and March will be held in Pakistan, Pakistan said earlier this month India has told ICC that team will not travel Go to the country and compete.
Political tensions mean the two countries have not met outside of a major men’s tournament since 2013, while India have not played in Pakistan since 2008.
The 50-over trophy will be Pakistan’s first time hosting a global event since 1996.
“The matches hosted by India and Pakistan at ICC events during the 2024-27 rights cycle will be played at neutral venues,” an ICC statement said.
This includes the upcoming Men’s Champions Trophy as well as the Women’s World Cup in India next year and the Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in 2026.
Pakistan will also host the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028, which will also use a neutral venue arrangement.
In addition to host Pakistan, participating countries in the Champions Trophy are Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand and South Africa.
The International Cricket Federation said the match schedule will be finalized soon.
