The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is expected to be stripped of its hosting rights for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, as broadcasters have recommended limiting the tournament to three venues due to logistical and financial challenges.
Sources indicated that hosting matches across four venues has proven difficult, prompting concerns over rising costs and logistical complications. As a result, Karachi, Lahore, and Dubai are being considered as the primary locations for the event.
The official schedule for the Champions Trophy is set to be released today, with final decisions pending an agreement currently under review by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The cricket boards of Pakistan and India have reportedly agreed on a “fusion formula” that allows both teams to participate in ICC events without hosting matches in each other’s countries. Under this arrangement, Pakistan will play its matches in India at neutral venues until 2027, with India doing the same for tournaments held in Pakistan.
This agreement will apply to upcoming ICC events, including the Asia Cup in 2025 and the T20 World Cup in 2026, both of which are set to be hosted by India.
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The ICC is expected to formalize and finalize this agreement soon.