2025 Champions Trophy: UAE and Pakistan agree to deepen cricketing relationship

During a recent meeting in Ghotki, the UAE and Pakistan agreed to take additional steps to further deepen their cricketing relationship. Chairman of the UAE Cricket Board Sheikh Nahayan and Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board Mohsin Naqvi reached the deal.

Both sides also discussed bilateral relations and the promotion of cricket in both the UAE and Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion, the official from Pakistan offered full cooperation in promoting the sport in the UAE.

He also lauded the UAE’s consistent support for Pakistan. Sheikh Nahayan emphasised the significance of UAE-Pakistan relations and said that the Gulf state deeply values their bilateral relationship. But there has also been another important update.

ICC confirms hybrid model for Champions Trophy 2025

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed a hybrid model for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The prestigious tournament in men’s international cricket is going to be played both in Pakistan and Dubai.

On December 19, the ICC approved proposals for matches involving India and Pakistan to be played at neutral venues if the tournament is hosted by the opposing nation. Dubai is going to host India Champions Trophy 2025 matches.

In recent years, the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) had made clear its reluctance to send its team to Pakistan for the tournament. Instead, India’s matches are set to be hosted by the 25,000-seater Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai Sports City.

Notable popularity of cricket in UAE

Cricket is a hugely popular sport in the UAE. The Gulf state is home to a large expatriate population hailing from scores of different cricket-admiring countries. Therefore, the Champions Trophy is bound to be a popular tournament in the UAE.

The official schedule for Champions Trophy 2025 is yet to be announced. But if the original plans for the tournament are taken into consideration, it appears matches are going to be held from February 19 to March 9, 2025.

The Champions Trophy uses the One Day International format – each team faces a fixed 50 overs and games can last up to 7 hours. The tournament sees the top 8 ranked men’s teams from the 2023 Cricket Cup group stage pitted against each other.