ICC Unveils Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule: Tournament to Begin on February 19 in Karachi

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 in Pakistan. The tournament will feature eight top teams battling for the prestigious title across venues in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking the return of the Champions Trophy after a hiatus.

The tournament kicks off on February 19, with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi. Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi will host three group-stage matches each, while Lahore will host the second semi-final and the final on March 9. However, if India qualifies for the final, the match will be relocated to Dubai due to the ongoing security concerns raised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Hybrid Model to Address India-Pakistan Deadlock

In a groundbreaking decision, the ICC adopted a two-way hybrid model proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to resolve India’s refusal to play in Pakistan. As part of the arrangement, India’s matches, including the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on February 23, will be held in Dubai. In reciprocity, Pakistan will have a similar arrangement for ICC tournaments hosted in India until 2027.

The UAE leg of the tournament begins on February 20, with India facing Bangladesh in Dubai. The neutral venue will also host India’s matches against New Zealand on March 2 and the first semi-final on March 4.

Key Fixtures and Groups

The Champions Trophy 2025 features the top eight teams from the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 points table, divided into two groups:

• Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh
• Group B: Australia, Afghanistan, England, and South Africa

Key matches include England facing Australia in Lahore on February 22 and the Pakistan-India showdown in Dubai on February 23. The final phase of group matches and semi-finals will determine the road to the championship.

Reserve Days and Schedule Highlights

Both semi-finals and the final will have reserve days to ensure smooth conduct. The tournament promises exciting cricket action, with defending champions Pakistan aiming to reclaim the trophy on home soil.

Full Schedule:

• February 19: Pakistan vs. New Zealand, Karachi
• February 20: Bangladesh vs. India, Dubai
• February 21: Afghanistan vs. South Africa, Karachi
• February 22: Australia vs. England, Lahore
• February 23: Pakistan vs. India, Dubai
• February 24: Bangladesh vs. New Zealand, Rawalpindi
• February 25: Australia vs. South Africa, Rawalpindi
• February 26: Afghanistan vs. England, Lahore
• February 27: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
• February 28: Afghanistan vs. Australia, Lahore
• March 1: South Africa vs. England, Karachi
• March 2: New Zealand vs. India, Dubai
• March 4: Semi-final 1, Dubai
• March 5: Semi-final 2, Lahore
• March 9: Final, Lahore (or Dubai if India qualifies)

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be a spectacle, blending fierce rivalries with strategic cricket action across iconic venues. Fans worldwide eagerly await the resumption of this marquee event.