Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan considers Colombo as venue for India's matches

After months of negotiations and disputes, Pakistan and India have reportedly reached a consensus on a hybrid model for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

According to the agreement, the Indian team will play its matches at a neutral venue. If India fails to qualify for the final, the championship match will be hosted in Lahore.

In return, Pakistan’s team will not play its matches for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup on Indian soil, with Sri Lanka likely serving as the alternative host.

Sources have revealed that officials from both cricket boards have finalized the details, and the ball is now in the International Cricket Council's (ICC) court.

The agreement is expected to be formalized through official signatures, with the ICC set to make an announcement by Sunday or Monday.

While the UAE is currently the favorite for hosting India’s matches, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is also considering Sri Lanka as a potential venue. The final decision will depend on securing the best possible deal.

Interestingly, the ICC is reportedly unaware of Sri Lanka’s sudden inclusion as a hosting option, with Dubai still being its preferred venue for India’s matches.

In recent developments, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi held an important meeting in Dubai with Mubashir Usmani, a former official of the Emirates Cricket Board and current ICC Director. Discussions during the meeting reportedly covered a range of key issues.

Meanwhile, some senior PCB officials are currently in Saudi Arabia for Umrah, but sources confirm that progress on this matter has been achieved.

The formal announcement of the arrangement is now awaited from the ICC.