Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium May Lose Hosting Rights for 2025 ICC Champions Trophy
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is likely to be excluded as a venue for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, following recommendations from broadcasters to reduce the number of hosting venues to three due to logistical and financial constraints.
Reports suggest that managing the tournament across four venues poses significant challenges, including higher costs and operational complexities. As a result, Karachi, Lahore, and Dubai are being considered as the preferred locations for hosting the matches.
The official schedule for the Champions Trophy is expected to be announced soon, with the final decision contingent on an agreement currently under review by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Pakistan and India Agree on Neutral Venue Framework
In a major breakthrough, Pakistan and India have reportedly agreed on a neutral venue arrangement, allowing both nations to participate in ICC tournaments without hosting matches in each other’s countries.
Under this framework, Pakistan will play its matches in India at neutral locations until 2027, and the same will apply to India for events hosted by Pakistan. This agreement will extend to key upcoming tournaments, including the 2025 Asia Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be hosted by India.
The ICC is expected to formalize this arrangement in the coming days.
While Rawalpindi’s exclusion as a venue may disappoint local fans, the decision aligns with global broadcasting and logistical requirements for the successful execution of the tournament.
