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India Vs Pakistan Champions Trophy clash is being played at a neutral venue – Dubai, despite Pakistan being the official host of the tournament. This decision arose from political tensions between the two nations, which have prevented bilateral cricketing ties since 2012-13. India has refused to play matches in Pakistan, citing security concerns, leading to an agreement where all its games in the tournament are hosted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The reluctance of India to travel to Pakistan dates back to the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore. Since then, international cricket has only gradually returned to Pakistan, with the 2025 Champions Trophy being the first ICC event in the country since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) maintained its stance of not sending its team to Pakistan, leading to this alternative arrangement.
A formal agreement between the International Cricket Council (ICC), the BCCI, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) allows India to play all its Champions Trophy matches in Dubai instead of Pakistan. This agreement extends to other upcoming ICC events until 2027, including the Women’s Cricket World Cup later this year and the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026, ensuring that India and Pakistan do not have to play in each other’s countries at ICC tournaments.
Criticism Over ‘Favourable’ Treatment for India
This move has drawn criticism from former England cricketer and commentator Jonathan Agnew, who called it a “farce” that a home team like Pakistan is forced to play its biggest match away from home. He argued that India’s ability to dictate its match locations gives it an unfair advantage, raising concerns over how long this arrangement can continue in international cricket.
Pakistan, despite being the official host, has found itself shuffling between venues. The team began its tournament campaign in Karachi against New Zealand before travelling to Dubai for the India clash, only to return to Rawalpindi for its next match against Bangladesh. This has led to frustrations within the Pakistani cricketing community, with former spinner Saqlain Mushtaq voicing concerns over India’s unwillingness to play in Pakistan.
Future of India-Pakistan Matches
Repeated neutral venue matches raise questions about the integrity of these events. Agnew stressed that cricket is hurting itself by allowing politics to dictate match locations, as fans in both countries are deprived of witnessing the spectacle live in their respective stadiums.
How long can global cricket accommodate this arrangement?
Keep an eye on News X for updates.
Also Read: How Many Times Did India Beat Pakistan in the Champions Trophy?
