ICC reveals schedule for Champions Trophy 2025
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025. The tournament will feature eight top cricketing nations competing across venues in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This edition marks the return of the Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus, with Pakistan serving as the primary host nation.
Due to ongoing political tensions, India has opted to play its matches at neutral venues in the UAE. Consequently, all fixtures involving the Indian team will be held in Dubai. The tournament will commence with an opening match between hosts Pakistan and New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi. India is scheduled to play its first match against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai, followed by a highly anticipated encounter with Pakistan on February 23, also in Dubai.
The tournament structure comprises two groups of four teams each. Group A includes Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B features South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, and England. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals. The final is slated for March 9 and will be held in Lahore; however, if India qualifies for the final, the match will be relocated to Dubai to accommodate their neutral venue requirement.
| Group A | Group B |
|---|---|
| Pakistan, India, New Zealand & Bangladesh | South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan & England |
The ICC has ensured a balanced schedule with adequate rest days between matches, allowing teams to perform at their peak. The tournament will be played across multiple venues, including Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai, each selected to showcase world-class cricketing action. The inclusion of Dubai as a venue underscores the ICC’s commitment to accommodating geopolitical sensitivities while promoting the sport globally.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated, “We are pleased that an agreement has been reached based on the principles of equality and respect, showcasing the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that defines our sport,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said. “Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the ICC members who played a constructive role in helping us achieve a mutually beneficial solution. Their efforts have been invaluable in promoting the interests of international cricket.”
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 19, 2025 | Pakistan vs. New Zealand | National Stadium, Karachi |
| Feb 20, 2025 | Bangladesh vs. India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
| Feb 21, 2025 | Afghanistan vs. South Africa | National Stadium, Karachi |
| Feb 22, 2025 | Australia vs. England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Feb 23, 2025 | Pakistan vs. India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
| Feb 24, 2025 | Bangladesh vs. New Zealand | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| Feb 25, 2025 | Australia vs. South Africa | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| Feb 26, 2025 | Afghanistan vs. England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Feb 27, 2025 | Pakistan vs. Bangladesh | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Afghanistan vs. Australia | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Mar 1, 2025 | South Africa vs. England | National Stadium, Karachi |
| Mar 2, 2025 | New Zealand vs. India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Semi-final 1 | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
| Mar 5, 2025 | Semi-final 2 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Mar 9, 2025 | Final | Lahore / Dubai* |
*Note: The final will be held in Lahore unless India qualifies, in which case it will be played in Dubai.
