Where will ICC T20 World Cup 2026 final take place if India-Pakistan qualify? Mohsin Naqvi reveals

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has revealed where will the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 take place if both India and Pakistan qualify. This comes after the mutual agreement that unfolded between them and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) related to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently released the official statement surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The global cricket body confirmed that the tournament will be played in the hybrid model but they also revealed the fate of the other ICC tournaments.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) mentioned that India and Pakistan matches hosted by either country at ICC Events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at a neutral venue. Adding that, this will apply 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) as well, apart from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

This means that the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will be also played in the hybrid model. This, however, made many speculate about where the final of the tournament will be played if both the India National Cricket Team and the Pakistan National Cricket Team will qualify for the final.

Final of T20 World Cup 2026 will be played at a neutral venue in case Pakistan qualifies in the final - Mohsin Naqvi

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi was asked about the same. Replying to this, the head of the governing body mentioned that if both the arch-rivals qualify for the final of the T20 World Cup 2026, then it will be played at a neutral venue. Speaking to reporters, he explained:

"Final of T20 World Cup 2026 will be played at a neutral venue in case Pakistan qualifies in the final."

"Final of T20 WorldCup 2026 will be played at neutral venue incase Pakistan qualified in the final." - Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi. #CT25

— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) December 21, 2024

Upgradation work of National Cricket Stadium Karachi will be completed in January - Mohsin Naqvi

Mohsin Naqvi also provided an update about the upgradation of stadiums for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, saying that all the renovations will be completed in January. He also announced that Karachi won't be hosting Tests against West Indies but tri-series will be played there. He added:

"Upgradation work of National Cricket Stadium Karachi will be completed in January. Karachi will not host a Test series against West Indies. Karachi will host matches of Tri-series including Pakistan South Africa and New Zealand."

Karachi should get ready to hear exciting news regarding the Champions Trophy - Mohsin Naqvi

Mohsin Naqvi also revealed that the Pakistan Cricket Board has planned to build a five-star hotel beside the National Cricket Stadium in Karachi after the conclusion of the Champions Trophy. The Chairman of the board also hinted at the opening ceremony of the tournament being held in Karachi. He explained:

"Five-star hotel will be constructed beside National Cricket Stadium Karachi after the conclusion of the Champions Trophy. Karachi should get ready to hear exciting news regarding the Champions Trophy."

The official schedule of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is yet to come, but recently, media reports suggested that the tournament will begin on 19th February. The India vs Pakistan match in the tournament will be played on 23rd February at a neutral venue, either in Dubai or Colombo.

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