Explained: Why Dubai will host ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final despite Pakistan being the designated hosts?

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final will be played on March 9 in Dubai.

The ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is nearing its end with only two matches remaining in the tournament.

India, New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia qualified for the semi-finals after the group stage, which consisted of 12 matches.

India became the first team to qualify for the final of the ongoing tournament after their four-wicket win against Australia in first semi-final on March 4 in Dubai. The Men in Blue restricted Australia to 264 runs in the first innings. Virat Kohli then guided the chase with an 84-run knock off 98 balls.

India have emerged as the strongest team in the competition so far with four wins from four games. Mohammed Shami has led the bowling attack with eight wickets, while Kohli has been the top run-scorer with 217 runs in the tournament.

Fans, however, were left confused after the semi-final that why Dubai would host the final, despite Pakistan being the designated hosts of the tournament.

Explained: Why Dubai will host ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final despite Pakistan being the designated hosts?

The final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will take place in Dubai instead of the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore because India qualified for the final. This was approved by the ICC after extensive discussions between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Earlier, India had refused to travel to Pakistan for the tournament due to security concerns raised by the Indian government. It was then decided by the ICC that India’s all matches in the tournament, including the group-stage fixtures, semi-final, and final – if they qualify – will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

India’s win against Australia in the semi-final on March 4 secured their spot in the final, which will be played on Sunday, March 9. This added to the disappointment of Pakistan fans, who saw their team exit the tournament without a single win.

The winners of the second semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand will join India in the finals.

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