India will play next year's Champions Trophy matches on neutral ground after refusing to visit tournament host and arch-rival Pakistan, the International Cricket Council said Thursday, December 19, following weeks of wrangling.

In return, Pakistan will also play upcoming ICC tournaments hosted by India in other countries, yet to be decided.

“India and Pakistan matches hosted by either country at ICC Events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at a neutral venue, the ICC Board confirmed,” said a statement released by the body.

“This will apply to the upcoming ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 (hosted by Pakistan).”

The agreement will extend to the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 hosted by India, and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the statement added.

The announcement ended a month-long stand-off over the Champions Trophy, after India told the ICC it will not send its team to Pakistan because of security fears and political tension.

Pakistan did, however, play in India during the 2023 ICC World Cup hosted there.

AFP/RSS