India to compete in Champions Trophy games in UAE

Posted : 24 December 2024

India will play their Champions Trophy matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) next year after Pakistan, the host nation, chose the Gulf country as a neutral venue. This decision comes in response to the strained political relations between India and Pakistan, which have made it difficult for the two countries to play cricket against each other on neutral ground.

Since 2008, India has not visited Pakistan, and the Indian cricket board (BCCI) has followed the government's advice not to send the national team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Consequently, the two nations only meet in multi-team tournaments, with the last encounter being at the 50-over World Cup in India in 2023.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the UAE's selection as the venue for India's matches. "The PCB has chosen the UAE as the neutral venue for the Champions Trophy," said Amir Mir, a spokesperson for the PCB, via email. This move aims to facilitate the participation of both teams while maintaining a neutral setting due to the ongoing political tensions.

The Champions Trophy will feature eight teams and is scheduled for February and March next year. Given the longstanding rivalry between India and Pakistan, their games in international tournaments continue to be a significant draw for fans, despite the geographic and political challenges that complicate their direct encounters.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) also announced last week that any matches between India and Pakistan in tournaments it organizes will take place at neutral venues. This agreement applies not only to the men’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan but also to other upcoming ICC events, including the Women’s One-Day International World Cup in India and the 2026 Men's Twenty20 World Cup.

The neutral venue arrangement is set to continue beyond the Champions Trophy, affecting future international competitions. This includes the men's T20 World Cup in 2026, which India will co-host with Sri Lanka, and the Women's T20 World Cup in Pakistan in 2028.

While these decisions might disappoint some fans who would prefer to see India and Pakistan play on each other's home soil, they ensure that cricket can continue to be a global spectacle, unimpeded by political concerns.

India to compete in Champions Trophy games in UAE

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