The anticipation surrounding the Champions Trophy 2025 has reached an all-time high, with cricket fans eagerly waiting for the tournament to kick off on February 19, 2025. However, nothing has generated more excitement than the high-voltage clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, scheduled for February 23 in Dubai. The demand for tickets skyrocketed, leading to an instant sellout within minutes of opening.
Unprecedented Demand for India-Pakistan Clash
Cricket fans worldwide understand the significance of an India vs Pakistan encounter. This historic rivalry goes beyond cricket, igniting passion and enthusiasm among millions. Given India’s Champions Trophy group stage matches are set to take place exclusively in Dubai, the demand for tickets was expected to be immense. However, the speed at which tickets vanished exceeded all expectations.
The official ticket sales began on Monday at 4 PM local time (5:30 PM IST), with prices starting at 125 dirhams (approximately ₹3,000) for general stand seats. Within minutes, all categories, including premium and hospitality tickets, were completely sold out.
Fans Left Disappointed as Tickets Vanish Instantly
Many enthusiastic fans who had planned to witness the historic India-Pakistan battle live at Dubai International Stadium were left disheartened after facing difficulties securing tickets. With overwhelming demand, online ticketing platforms experienced technical issues as thousands of fans rushed to book their seats simultaneously.
The resale market has already started seeing exorbitant price hikes, with some tickets reportedly being listed for five to ten times their original price. Fans who missed out on the initial sale now face the tough decision of either spending a fortune on resale tickets or watching the match from home.
Champions Trophy 2025: Full Tournament Schedule and Format
The Champions Trophy 2025 will feature eight teams, competing in a 15-match tournament hosted jointly by Pakistan and Dubai.
- Start Date: February 19, 2025
- Final Match: March 8, 2025
- Venues: Dubai, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi
- Participating Teams: India, Pakistan, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka
Each team will play three group-stage matches, with the top four teams advancing to the semifinals. Pakistan will host the majority of the games, while India’s matches are scheduled in Dubai due to political considerations.
India’s Group Stage Fixtures in Champions Trophy 2025
India will begin its Champions Trophy campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh. The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash follows on February 23, and after a short break, India will face New Zealand on March 2.
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| February 20, 2025 | India vs Bangladesh | Dubai |
| February 23, 2025 | India vs Pakistan | Dubai |
| March 2, 2025 | India vs New Zealand | Dubai |
Should India progress, the first semifinal match will also take place in Dubai.
Ticket Prices and Availability for Other Matches
While the India vs Pakistan match tickets are sold out, there are still limited seats available for other games in the tournament.
- India’s other group-stage matches in Dubai: Some upper-tier and hospitality seats remain for India’s matches against Bangladesh and New Zealand.
- Tickets for semifinals and final: The final match tickets will only be released after the semifinals. Given Dubai’s role in hosting India’s semifinal (if they qualify), ticket demand is expected to be high.
India’s Champions Trophy History and Expectations for 2025
India has had an impressive record in the ICC Champions Trophy since its inception in 1998.
- 2000: Finalists (Lost to New Zealand)
- 2002: Co-champions with Sri Lanka (Final abandoned due to rain)
- 2013: Winners (Defeated England under MS Dhoni’s captaincy)
- 2017: Finalists (Lost to Pakistan)
The last time India lifted the Champions Trophy was in 2013, led by MS Dhoni. The 2017 edition saw Virat Kohli’s team reach the final, only to suffer a defeat at the hands of Pakistan. Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Jasprit Bumrah will be key players in India’s quest to reclaim the trophy.
