Sun Nov 10 06:04:10 UTC 2024: ## Champions Trophy 2025: India to Play Matches in UAE, Schedule to be Announced on November 11th
**New Delhi:** The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly agreed to host the India-Pakistan matches of the Champions Trophy 2025 in the UAE, following persistent pressure from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The decision comes after the Indian government refused to allow the Indian team to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns. The Champions Trophy is likely to follow a hybrid model, similar to the Asia Cup, with India playing their matches in Dubai or Sharjah.
While the BCCI has yet to finalize the decision, sources within the PCB have confirmed that the schedule will be announced on November 11th following discussions with the International Cricket Council (ICC). The PCB had previously sent a draft schedule to the ICC which has been reviewed and will be finalized shortly.
India will be part of Group A, alongside Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Group B consists of Australia, England, Afghanistan, and South Africa.
This development marks a significant change in the original plan, which saw the Champions Trophy being hosted entirely in Pakistan. The ongoing political and diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan have made bilateral cricket series a highly sensitive matter, with India last touring Pakistan in 2008.
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