On Thursday, after weeks of delays, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that India and Pakistan will play matches hosted by either country at neutral venues. This rule will apply to all events during the 2024-2027 window.
It will apply to the Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 (hosted by Pakistan and an unconfirmed neutral country), set to be played in February and March 2025, the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (hosted by India) and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (hosted by India and Sri Lanka).
Here is the ICC statement in full:
“India and Pakistan matches hosted by either country at ICC Events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at a neutral venue, the ICC Board confirmed on Thursday, 19 December.
This will apply to the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 (hosted by Pakistan), set to be played in February and March 2025, 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 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028, where neutral venue arrangements will also apply.
Cricket Australia is set to host one of the senior ICC women’s events during the period 2029 to 2031.
The schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be confirmed soon, with Pakistan aiming to defend the title they won in 2017.
The eight-team event will feature Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, and South Africa, alongside hosts Pakistan.”
