The UAE has expressed its readiness to host the highly anticipated cricket match between India and Pakistan. This development comes amid uncertainty surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy. UAE Ambassador to India, Abdulnasser Alshaali, confirmed the country’s willingness to provide a venue for the thrilling encounter.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has firmly stated it will not send its team to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains adamant about hosting the tournament entirely on home soil.
Proposed Champions Trophy Matches
In a recent development, sources revealed to Geo News that a new plan is under consideration. Under this arrangement, India’s matches originally scheduled in Pakistan will take place in Dubai. Similarly, Pakistan’s matches slated for India will also shift to Dubai. This formula is expected to apply for the next three years, starting with the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Ambassador Abdulnasser Alshaali expressed enthusiasm for hosting such high-profile games. “Why wouldn’t we? We have always hosted such games. The UAE is open for business and sports,” he told ANI when asked about the possibility of hosting the India-Pakistan clash.
ICC and PCB Discussions amid Champions Trophy
The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently held a meeting with its members to discuss the future of the Champions Trophy. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi reiterated the PCB’s stance, rejecting the hybrid model and emphasizing the need for an equitable solution.
“We will do what’s best for cricket. It’s definitely not a hybrid formula, but if a new formula is formed, it will be fair for all. We won’t accept one-sided decisions. Equality must guide these decisions,” Naqvi stated during a press briefing in Dubai.
Historical Context
Political tensions have kept India from touring Pakistan since 2008. The last bilateral series occurred in 2012-13 in India. Since then, the two teams have only faced each other in ICC tournaments and Asia Cups. Last Friday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs highlighted BCCI’s concerns over security, suggesting it is unlikely the Indian team will travel to Pakistan.
Conclusion
With discussions ongoing, the UAE has positioned itself as a strong contender to host the iconic India-Pakistan match. As both cricket boards and the ICC work toward a resolution, fans eagerly await clarity on the venue for one of cricket’s most anticipated rivalries.
