India-Pakistan matches will be played in neutral venue until 2027: ICC

KATHMANDU: The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Thursday that matches between India and Pakistan, hosted by either country during the 2024-2027 cycle, will be played at neutral venues.

This decision applies to several upcoming events, including the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 (hosted by Pakistan), the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (hosted by India), and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka), according to an ICC statement.

As a result, the India-Pakistan match in the 2025 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy will now be held at a neutral venue, though the ICC has yet to announce the location.

India’s participation in the Champions Trophy had been uncertain ever since Pakistan was named as the host. India officially informed the ICC in November of its decision not to travel to Pakistan for the event.

India has not sent its cricket team to Pakistan since 2008.

The 2025 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy will feature eight teams – India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa and New Zealand.