Dubai is expected to host India's matches in the upcoming Champions Trophy, according to recent media reports. Pakistan was initially slated to host the tournament, which is set to take place from February 19 to March 9 next year. However, the event's future has been uncertain since earlier this month when the ICC announced that India had refused to travel to Pakistan for the eight-team competition, citing security issues.
Discussions about a hybrid model, where India would play their matches at a neutral venue similar to the Asia Cup, have been ongoing. A meeting by the Dubai-based International Cricket Council (ICC) was convened briefly on Friday to address the stalemate but was adjourned without reaching a decision. According to media reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed three conditions if they agree to the hybrid model.
As per these reports, group matches involving India will be held in Dubai. If India advances to the semifinals and the final, those matches will also be played in Dubai. Conversely, if India does not progress beyond the group stages, the semifinals and final will take place in Pakistan. Another condition stipulates that if India hosts future ICC events, Pakistan will not travel to India and will instead play their matches at a neutral venue.
There has been no official confirmation from the ICC or the PCB regarding these developments. Reports indicate that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) head Mubashir Usmani in Dubai. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium has previously hosted prestigious events such as the T20 World Cup, the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Pakistan Super League (PSL), and Test matches involving Pakistan.
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