Dubai [UAE], December 24: After months of anticipation and speculation, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has finally unveiled the schedule for the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The prestigious eight-team tournament will feature 15 thrilling 50-over matches, set to be played across Pakistan and Dubai. The highly anticipated showdown between arch-rivals India and Pakistan will take place on February 23, 2025, in Dubai.
The tournament will kick off on February 19 in Karachi, where Pakistan will face New Zealand in the opening match of Group A. India’s first match is scheduled for February 20 against Bangladesh in Dubai. The competition will see three venues in Pakistan – Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi – host the group stages, with each venue hosting three matches. Lahore will also serve as the host for the second semi-final and the final, set for March 9, unless India qualifies, in which case the final will be moved to Dubai.
The groups for the Champions Trophy have been determined based on the standings from the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. Group A includes defending Champions Trophy holders Pakistan, along with India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Group B features 2023 World Cup champions Australia, along with Afghanistan, England, and South Africa.
Here is the full schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
Champions Trophy Schedule:
- February 19: Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi, Pakistan
- February 20: Bangladesh vs India, Dubai
- February 21: Afghanistan vs South Africa, Karachi, Pakistan
- February 22: Australia vs England, Lahore, Pakistan
- February 23: Pakistan vs India, Dubai
- 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
- March 4: Semi-final 1, Dubai
- March 5: Semi-final 2, Lahore, Pakistan
- March 9: Final, Lahore (unless India qualifies, when it will be played in Dubai)
- March 10: Reserve Day
With all eyes on the India-Pakistan match on February 23, the Champions Trophy promises to deliver high-octane cricket across the tournament’s run, culminating in a thrilling finale.