Is Rawalpindi Losing Hosting Rights for 2025 ICC Champions Trophy?

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium looks set to lose its hosting rights for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, as global broadcasters have recommended limiting the tournament to three venues due to logistical and financial concerns.

Sources indicate that hosting matches across four venues has been deemed impractical by broadcasters, citing increased expenses and logistical hurdles. As a result, the tournament is likely to be staged at Karachi, Lahore, and either Dubai or Sri Lanka, which are now under consideration as the primary venues.

Rawalpindi was set to host one of the semi-finals of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy as well which was been rendered moot due to the acceptance of the hybrid model between PCB and BCCI.

The official schedule for the Champions Trophy is expected to be announced today, pending an agreement currently under review by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

In a related and significant development, the cricket boards of Pakistan and India have reportedly agreed on a “neutral venue formula” to enable both countries to participate in ICC tournaments without playing in each other’s territory.

Under this agreement, Pakistan will play its ICC-sanctioned matches at neutral venues until 2027. Similarly, India will play matches hosted by Pakistan on neutral grounds.

This arrangement will apply to upcoming ICC events, including:

• Asia Cup 2025 (hosted by Pakistan)
• T20 World Cup 2026 (hosted by India)

The ICC is expected to formalize and approve this agreement soon, ensuring continued participation from both teams in marquee tournaments.

While the final decision awaits ICC’s confirmation, the expected exclusion of Rawalpindi as a venue marks a disappointment for local fans. However, the move aligns with global broadcasters’ priorities to streamline operations and manage costs effectively.