The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025. This announcement follows the resolution of a long-standing dispute between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding India’s participation in Pakistan.
Tournament Overview
- Host Country: Pakistan
- Tournament Dates: February 19 – March 9, 2025
- Neutral Venue for India Matches: United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Venues in Pakistan: Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi
- Neutral Venue: Dubai (for matches involving India)
The tournament will feature eight teams that secured top-eight finishes in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023:
Group A
- Pakistan (Hosts and Defending Champions)
- India
- New Zealand
- Bangladesh
Group B
- South Africa
- Australia
- Afghanistan
- England
Key Fixtures
- Opening Match: Pakistan vs. New Zealand, February 19, Karachi
- Highly Anticipated Match: Pakistan vs. India, February 23, Dubai
- Semi-Finals:
- Semi-Final 1: March 4, Dubai
- Semi-Final 2: March 5, Lahore
- Final: March 9, Lahore (to be moved to Dubai if India qualifies)
Complete Match Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| February 19 | Pakistan vs. New Zealand | Karachi, Pakistan |
| February 20 | Bangladesh vs. India | Dubai, UAE |
| February 21 | Afghanistan vs. South Africa | Karachi, Pakistan |
| February 22 | Australia vs. England | Lahore, Pakistan |
| February 23 | Pakistan vs. India | Dubai, UAE |
| February 24 | Bangladesh vs. New Zealand | Rawalpindi, Pakistan |
| February 25 | Australia vs. South Africa | Rawalpindi, Pakistan |
| February 26 | Afghanistan vs. England | Lahore, Pakistan |
| February 27 | Pakistan vs. Bangladesh | Rawalpindi, Pakistan |
| February 28 | Afghanistan vs. Australia | Lahore, Pakistan |
| March 1 | South Africa vs. England | Karachi, Pakistan |
| March 2 | New Zealand vs. India | Dubai, UAE |
| March 4 | Semi-Final 1 | Dubai, UAE |
| March 5 | Semi-Final 2 | Lahore, Pakistan |
| March 9 | Final | Lahore* (or Dubai) |
* If India qualifies, the final will be relocated to Dubai.
Tournament Highlights
- India-Pakistan Clash: The marquee match between arch-rivals will take place in Dubai due to India’s refusal to play in Pakistan.
- Neutral Venue Agreement: India’s matches and semi-final will be held in Dubai, with a reciprocal arrangement for Pakistan’s games in India until 2027.
- Lahore as the Final Destination: Lahore is set to host the final unless India is involved, in which case it will move to Dubai.
- Reserve Days: Both semi-finals and the final will have reserve days to ensure no disruptions affect the outcome.
This Champions Trophy promises to be a thrilling tournament with top cricketing nations competing, and the India-Pakistan dynamic adding extra intrigue. Fans worldwide eagerly await the action as Pakistan hosts a major ICC event after years.
To Keep Updated Visit & Follow our Facebook Page Or Our Website
