The final of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will not take place in its designated host country, Pakistan, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to move the match to a neutral venue, Dubai, UAE.
This decision comes after India refused to play matches in Pakistan, citing security concerns. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had earlier informed the ICC that the Indian team would not travel to Pakistan for the tournament. As a result, the ICC approved a hybrid model, allowing India’s matches, including the final, to be played in a neutral location.
The tournament was originally set to be fully hosted in Pakistan, marking the country’s first major ICC event since 1996. However, political tensions between India and Pakistan have once again influenced cricketing decisions, similar to past instances where Pakistan was deprived of hosting rights due to security reasons.
With India securing a spot in the final after defeating Australia in the semi-final, the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final will now take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The winner of the South Africa vs. New Zealand semi-final will face India in the highly anticipated showdown.
This is not the first time such a situation has arisen. In 2009, the ICC Champions Trophy was also moved from Pakistan to South Africa due to similar security concerns. Despite Pakistan’s efforts to restore its status as a safe international cricketing destination, the ongoing political tensions have once again led to a major tournament’s final being played outside the host nation.
Cricket fans in Pakistan have expressed disappointment, as this decision denies them the opportunity to witness the tournament’s biggest match on their home soil. Meanwhile, Indian players and officials have welcomed the decision, considering it a safer alternative.
The final match is scheduled to be played in March 2025 in Dubai, where a grand showdown awaits cricket enthusiasts around the world.
