MASSIVE rule change in IND vs PAK matches in ICC tournaments announced, they will now take place in…

The ICC have made a major rule change when it comes to India vs Pakistan matches in ICC events in the rights cycle from 2024 to 2027.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced a massive rule change in matches involving India and Pakistan at all ICC events in the current rights cycle from 2024 to 2027. The changes will be applicable to ICC tournaments to be hosted by India or Pakistan in this cycle.

According to the new rule, India vs Pakistan matches will be held at a ‘neutral venue’ in all ICC events hosted by India or Pakistan from 2024 to 2027. It applies to tournaments like ICC Champions Trophy 2025, ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 and ICC men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

“The ICC Board has today approved that matches between India and Pakistan played at ICC Events during the current rights cycle from 2024 to 2027 (which are to be hosted in India or Pakistan) will be played at a neutral venue proposed by the tournament host. This will apply to the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 (Pakistan), ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (India) and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (India and Sri Lanka),” a statement by ICC read.

Head to our stories for more details on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. pic.twitter.com/VDAMfrq1WU

— ICC (@ICC) December 19, 2024

The rule change has been necessitated due to deadlock between BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over ICC Champions Trophy 2025 over India’s refusal to travel to the neighbouring country for tournament next year. After BCCI’s refusal, the PCB put the condition that all India vs Pakistan be held in neutral venue going forward.

“In addition, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been awarded hosting rights of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028, where neutral venue arrangements will also apply. Cricket Australia has also been awarded hosting rights for one of the senior ICC women’s events during the period 2029 to 2031,” the ICC statement added.

However, the much-delayed match schedule for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 will be confirmed in the coming days.

(More to come)