The Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Arun Dhumal has backed the decision of the International Cricket Council (ICC) for India-Pakistan matches. The cricketing governing body announced that all India and Pakistan matches in ICC events till 2027 will take place at a neutral venue.
Dhumal said that this decision by ICC will help all the stakeholders, both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and broadcasters.
"It is good that we got some clarity on the Champions Trophy, and also the future ICC tournaments. That will be helpful for all the stakeholders, cricket boards, and the broadcasters," IPL chairman Arun Dhumal told IANS.
The new decision will apply from the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 (hosted by PCB) scheduled to take place in February and March next year as well as the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 (hosted by India) and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 (hosted by India and Sri Lanka).
It was also announced that the PCB has been awarded hosting rights for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in 2028, where neutral venue arrangements will also apply. The ICC's verdict on the matches between India and Pakistan will also end all the speculation regarding the Champions Trophy's future.
Sports Tak earlier reported that the neutral venue for the Champions Trophy will be Dubai where all India centric matches along with the semifinal and final take place. If India failed to perform and is unable to qualify for knockouts then the final and semifinal will take place in Pakistan's Lahore and Rawalpindi.
As per sources close to Sports Tak, ICC will announce the schedule in couple of days and India vs Pakistan match will take place on February 23.
India and Pakistan last faced each other during the T20 World Cup 2024 where Rohit Sharma-led India defeated Men in Green by 6 runs.
