KARACHI: Sources from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have confirmed that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with UAE Cricket Board Chief Sheikh Al Nahyan last night to finalize Dubai Stadium as the neutral venue for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. 

This decision comes under the tournament’s hybrid model, which has been designed to address logistical challenges surrounding the event. During the meeting, discussions also focused on simplifying the visa process for Pakistani fans and highlighted the need for collaboration between the ICC and the PCB to resolve various logistical issues. Sheikh Al Nahyan expressed his full support and assured complete cooperation on all matters related to the tournament. 

The initial plan had considered Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Colombo, Sri Lanka, as potential venues, but these options were ruled out due to logistical difficulties, leading to the UAE being chosen as the final destination. Interestingly, Sheikh Al Nahyan is currently in the Ghotki district of Sindh, Pakistan.  Meanwhile, Mohsin Naqvi had earlier announced that a final decision on the neutral venue would be made by Sunday, hinting at promising developments for Karachi concerning the tournament.  Naqvi also discussed the ongoing renovation of the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, where key matches for the event are expected to take place. Naqvi also addressed the three-year agreement that allows Pakistan’s cricket team to play against India at neutral venues. While the current arrangement stands, he stated that future decisions regarding such matches will depend on the incoming PCB administration. In related news, the proposed schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been revealed.

The tournament will begin on February 19, with Pakistan facing New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi.  The much-anticipated Pakistan vs. India match is scheduled for February 23 at a neutral venue, drawing considerable global attention due to the historic rivalry.  Other notable fixtures include matches between Australia and England, Afghanistan and England, and Afghanistan and Australia, with venues spread across Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi.