ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Complete Schedule and Key Fixtures
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the schedule for the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025. This premier tournament is set to kick off on February 19 in Karachi, Pakistan, and will culminate in the grand finale on March 9. The event will feature eight teams and a total of 15 exhilarating matches across two host countries—Pakistan and Dubai.
Key Details:
- Tournament Start: February 19, 2025
- Final Date: March 9, 2025
- Total Matches: 15
- Hosts: Pakistan and Dubai
- Venue Locations in Pakistan: Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi
- Venue in Dubai: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
- Reserve Days: Available for both semifinals and the final
The tournament will open with a thrilling clash between Pakistan and New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi. Following this, the most awaited contest—India vs. Pakistan—will take place on February 23 in Dubai. India will play all of its group-stage games in Dubai, while the other matches will be distributed across Pakistan’s three iconic cities—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. Lahore will also host the second semifinal, while Dubai will take charge if India qualifies for the final.
Tournament Structure and Groupings:
The teams participating in the Champions Trophy 2025 have been selected based on their positions in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 rankings, with the top eight teams securing their spots.
- Group A: Pakistan (hosts), India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
- Group B: Australia (reigning World Cup champions), Afghanistan, England, South Africa
Match Schedule:
Here’s a complete breakdown of the exciting action that will unfold over the course of the tournament:
- February 19: Pakistan vs. New Zealand – Karachi, Pakistan
- February 20: Bangladesh vs. India – Dubai, UAE
- February 21: Afghanistan vs. South Africa – Karachi, Pakistan
- February 22: Australia vs. England – Lahore, Pakistan
- February 23: Pakistan vs. India – Dubai, UAE
- February 24: Bangladesh vs. New Zealand – Rawalpindi, Pakistan
- February 25: Australia vs. South Africa – Rawalpindi, Pakistan
- February 26: Afghanistan vs. England – Lahore, Pakistan
- February 27: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh – Rawalpindi, Pakistan
- February 28: Afghanistan vs. Australia – Lahore, Pakistan
- March 1: South Africa vs. England – Karachi, Pakistan
- March 2: New Zealand vs. India – Dubai, UAE
- March 4: Semifinal 1 – Dubai, UAE
- March 5: Semifinal 2 – Lahore, Pakistan
- March 9: Final – Lahore or Dubai (Depending on India’s qualification)
- March 10: Reserve Day
What to Expect:
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be an action-packed spectacle, with intense rivalries and high-stakes encounters. Notably, the marquee clash between India and Pakistan on February 23 is expected to captivate cricket fans worldwide. Meanwhile, the diverse venues—from the bustling city of Karachi to the grand stadiums in Dubai—will offer a variety of playing conditions, keeping the competition fresh and exciting.
As we count down to the start of the tournament, all eyes will be on the top teams in world cricket, who will battle it out for supremacy in what is set to be an unforgettable tournament.
