Finally, on December 24, 2024, the schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was unveiled and ICC chief Jay Shah and hosts PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi shared their thoughts on the same. It is a historic moment for Pakistan, which last hosted a major ICC event during the 1996 World Cup.
The Champions Trophy 2025 will be played in Pakistan at three venues- Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi, while India’s matches will be played in Dubai. The tournament will begin on February 19 and the final will be played on March 19.
“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," Naqvi stated as per PCB.
He further expressed gratitude to the ICC for enabling Pakistan to co-host the tournament alongside Dubai.
“Hosting the Champions Trophy is a significant milestone for Pakistan, highlighting our commitment to promoting cricket at the highest level and showcasing our capabilities as a premier event organizer. Pakistan is elated to welcome the world to the Champions Trophy, and we look forward to extending our renowned hospitality to all," he added.
The Champions Trophy 2025 will feature eight teams including Pakistan, India, Australia, Bangladesh, England, Afghanistan, New Zealand, and South Africa.
The 8 teams have been divided into two groups with Group A having India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Group B consists of England, Australia, Afghanistan and South Africa.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah also took to X to express his feelings towards the upcoming tournament.
“Very excited for the @ICC Men’s Champions Trophy to start in February," read the post on X.
The semi-finals will take place on March 4 in Dubai and March 5 in Lahore, with reserve days set aside for both. If India advances to the final, the game will be transferred to Dubai; otherwise, Lahore will host the summit clash.
Reserve days are planned for both the semi-finals and the final. The Dubai leg begins on February 20 with India against Bangladesh. The Group B campaign began on February 21, with Afghanistan facing South Africa in Karachi.
Here is the schedule of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
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*
* Final will be held in Dubai in case India qualify
(ANI inputs)
