The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday announced the full schedule for the Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to be held from February 19 to March 9, in host country Pakistan as well as Dubai.
The Champions Trophy are back after a span of eight years, following the conclusion of the 2017 tournament.
India commences the tournament on February 20 as they face Bangladesh in United Arab Emirates.
Teams
The teams for the eight-team Champions Trophy championship, includes:
- Group A includes a lineup of India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, whereas
- Group B features South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, and England battling it up for a spot.
Venue
Pakistan is set to host an ICC event for the first time since 1996.
A hybrid model has been put in place for the 50- over Champions Trophy after India expressed concerns over security and decided against traveling to Pakistan.
Following months of discussions between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the cricket boards of both the nations, the ICC confirmed on December 19, that a hybrid model has been constituted so that India plays all of its matches at a neutral venue.
The ICC in a statement said, “India and Pakistan matches hosted by either country at ICC Events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at a neutral venue”.
Hence, India’s three group matches and the first semi-final on 4 March will be played in the United Arab Emirates. The final which is originally scheduled to be held in Lahore on 9 March, will also be moved to Dubai if India qualifies for the title round.
India and Pakistan have not faced each other outside of men’s major tournaments since 2013. Additionally, India has not played in Pakistan since 2008.
Full schedule
| Match No | Teams | Venue | Date | Time |
| 1 | Pakistan v New Zealand | National Stadium, Karachi | 19 Feb | 2.30 PM IST |
| 2 | Bangladesh v India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai | 20 Feb | 2.30 PM IST |
| 3 | Afghanistan v South Africa | National Stadium, Karachi | 21 Feb | 2.30 PM IST |
| 4 | Australia v England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 22 Feb | 2.30 PM IST |
| 5 | Pakistan v India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai | 23 Feb | 2.30 PM IST |
| 6 | Bangladesh v New Zealand | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi | 24 Feb | 2.30 PM IST |
| 7 | Australia v South Africa | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi | 25 Feb | 2.30 PM IST |
| 8 | Afghanistan v England | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 26 Feb | 2.30 PM IST |
| 9 | Pakistan v Bangladesh | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi | 27 Feb | 2.30 PM IST |
| 10 | Afghanistan v Australia | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 28 Feb | 2.30 PM IST |
| 11 | South Africa v England | National Stadium, Karachi | 1 Mar | 2.30 PM IST |
| 12 | New Zealand v India | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai | 2 Mar | 2.30 PM IST |
| 13 | Semi-final 1 | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai* | 4 Mar | 2.30 PM IST |
| 14 | Semi-final 2 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore** | 5 Mar | 2.30 PM IST |
| 15 | Final | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore*** | 9 Mar | 2.30 PM IST |
* Semi-final 1 will be played in Dubai, irrespective of team qualifications.
**Semi-final 2 will take place in Lahore, with Pakistan set to play there, if they qualify.
*** The final will be relocated to Dubai if India secures a spot in the championship match.
