UAE Ambassador to India, Abdulnasser Alshaali, has expressed that the UAE is ready to host the much-anticipated cricket match between India and Pakistan. This statement comes as doubts loom over the venue for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has clearly stated it will not send its team to Pakistan for the tournament, while the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) insists on hosting all matches in Pakistan.
Recent reports by Geo News suggest a new arrangement may be implemented. Under this plan, India would play its matches originally scheduled in Pakistan in Dubai. Similarly, Pakistan would play its matches scheduled in India at the same neutral venue. This proposed setup could be in place for the next three years, starting with the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
Addressing the possibility of hosting such matches in the UAE, Alshaali stated, “Why wouldn’t we? We have always hosted such games. We will continue to host such games. The UAE is open for business and open for sports.”
The International Cricket Council (ICC) held a meeting on Friday with member nations to discuss the tournament’s arrangements. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi reiterated on Saturday that Pakistan would not agree to a hybrid model but showed openness to new equitable solutions. “We will not allow one-sided decisions. Decisions should be made based on equality,” he stated in Dubai.
Political tensions between India and Pakistan have long impacted cricket relations. India last toured Pakistan in 2008 for the Asia Cup, while their last bilateral series took place in India during 2012-13.
Since then, their clashes have been limited to ICC tournaments and Asia Cups. Security concerns remain a key factor, with India’s Ministry of External Affairs citing risks as a reason for not touring Pakistan.
The final decision on the venue is expected soon, as both boards and the ICC aim to find a solution that ensures smooth execution of the tournament. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving situation.
