ISLAMABAD — India has decided against playing cricket matches in Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy scheduled for next year.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that all of India’s matches will take place at a neutral location, which includes possible semifinal and final appearances.
In a reciprocal decision, Pakistan has also opted not to participate in any events held in India during the 2024-27 cycle.
Additionally, when India hosts the Women’s World Cup in 2025 and co-hosts the men’s T20 World Cup in 2026 with Sri Lanka, Pakistan will likewise compete at a neutral venue.

India initially expressed its unwillingness over a month ago to send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, which is a tournament featuring eight teams playing 50-over matches.
While the ICC has not confirmed the exact locations for India’s games, possible venues include Dubai, Dhaka, and Colombo, all of which are strong candidates.

Ongoing political strains between Pakistan and India have historically restricted their cricket teams from visiting each other’s countries since 2012, when Pakistan last traveled to India for a series of one-day internationals.
Although the two teams frequently compete in ICC tournaments — Pakistan was in India for the men’s World Cup last year — prior to that event, India declined to visit Pakistan for the Asia Cup, instead hosting all its matches in Sri Lanka.

This hybrid model of playing matches hasn’t faced an easy acceptance; initially, it was met with resistance from the Pakistan Cricket Board.
However, as a consolation, the ICC awarded Pakistan the opportunity to host the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup.

The ICC has indicated that the schedule for the Champions Trophy will be released shortly.
Defending champions Pakistan, alongside other teams such as India, Australia, England, New Zealand, Bangladesh, South Africa, and Afghanistan, are set to compete in this prestigious tournament.