Pakistan and UAE to Co-Host the Prestigious Tournament from February 19 to March 9, 2025
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, marking the return of one of cricket’s most anticipated tournaments after a hiatus of eight years. The championship will take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, with Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) serving as co-hosts.
The tournament will feature the top eight teams, divided into two groups, battling for the prestigious title. Due to political sensitivities, all matches involving India will be hosted in Dubai, UAE, while the remaining fixtures will take place across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi in Pakistan.
Participating Teams and Groups
Group A:
- Pakistan (Hosts)
- India
- New Zealand
- Bangladesh
Group B:
- Australia
- England
- South Africa
- Afghanistan
The tournament will kick off with Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi on February 19, 2025. One of the most highly anticipated matches, Pakistan vs. India, will take place on February 23, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Full Match Schedule:
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 19 | Pakistan vs. New Zealand | National Stadium, Karachi |
| Feb 20 | Bangladesh vs. India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
| Feb 21 | Afghanistan vs. South Africa | National Stadium, Karachi |
| Feb 22 | Australia vs. England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Feb 23 | Pakistan vs. India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
| Feb 24 | Bangladesh vs. New Zealand | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| Feb 25 | Australia vs. South Africa | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| Feb 26 | Afghanistan vs. England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Feb 27 | Pakistan vs. Bangladesh | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| Feb 28 | Afghanistan vs. Australia | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Mar 1 | South Africa vs. England | National Stadium, Karachi |
| Mar 2 | New Zealand vs. India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
| Mar 4 | Semi-final 1 | Dubai International Cricket Stadium* |
| Mar 5 | Semi-final 2 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore** |
| Mar 9 | Final | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore*** |
- Tournament Revival: This marks the return of the ICC Champions Trophy after its last edition in 2017, which was also won by Pakistan.
- Arch-Rivalry Clash: The much-awaited Pakistan vs. India encounter is scheduled for February 23, 2025, promising high-intensity cricket.
- Pakistan as Host: Despite the tournament being awarded to Pakistan, political considerations mean India will play all its matches in Dubai.
- Star-Studded Lineup: Defending champions Pakistan, along with powerhouses like India, Australia, England, and South Africa, will be vying for the title.
- Cricket fans across the globe are eagerly awaiting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as the world’s top teams compete for one of the most prestigious trophies in international cricket. With an exciting lineup of matches, including historic rivalries, powerhouse clashes, and thrilling knockouts, the tournament is expected to bring unparalleled excitement and drama to cricket lovers.
For more updates and detailed information, visit the official ICC website: www.icc-cricket.com.