Sports, cricket: The ICC is said to be working out practice facilities across all four venues besides preparing a schedule (warm-up matches) for the eight-team tournament.

Delayed renovation work at Pakistan's Champions Trophy venues worries ICC

Joe Root will return to the 50-over set-up for the first time since the 2023 ODI World Cup, having been largely overlooked in the white-ball format. On the other hand, Test skipper Ben Stokes was omitted from the squad as he struggles with a hamstring injury sustained during the New Zealand series.



Champions Trophy 2025: Joe Root returns to England squad; Ben Stokes misses out due to hamstring issue

With India reluctant to play in Pakistan, the ICC was searching for a new co-host, with India’s matches being scheduled at a neutral venue. According to the latest media reports on Sunday (Dec 22), the UAE will be soon announced as the co-host along with Pakistan after a meeting between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi and UAE cricket board's head Sheikh Nahyan.



Champions Trophy 2025: UAE set to host India's matches as ICC finalises venue for hybrid model - Report

PCB funds 12.8 billion rupees for Champions Trophy 2025 venues upgradation – Reports