The International Cricket Council (ICC) officially announced the schedule for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Tuesday, December 24. The tournament, hosted by Pakistan, will kick off on February 19 in Karachi, with the opening clash between Pakistan and New Zealand. Adding to the excitement, India’s group matches and one of the semi-finals are set to take place in Dubai, including the much-awaited India-Pakistan showdown on February 23.
Tournament Groups and Format
The eight teams are divided into two groups:
- Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh
- Group B: Afghanistan, South Africa, Australia, and England
Group A features the defending champions Pakistan alongside traditional rivals India, the rising stars of Bangladesh, and New Zealand. Group B is equally competitive, with Afghanistan making their tournament debut against seasoned teams like South Africa, Australia, and England.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Match Schedule
The tournament comprises 15 day-night matches, all starting at 2:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PST). Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Dubai are the designated venues. Key fixtures include the following:
- 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 (or Dubai if India qualifies)
Both the semi-finals and the final will include reserve days to accommodate any disruptions.
Host Nation Highlights
Pakistan’s return as a major host for the ICC Champions Trophy marks a significant milestone in its cricketing history. This is the first time in eight years the tournament is being held, and Pakistan aims to deliver a world-class experience. Lahore will host the second semi-final and the final unless India qualifies for the title clash, in which case the final will be moved to Dubai.
Challenges and Solutions
The road to this tournament was not without challenges. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) initially declined to play matches in Pakistan, leading to prolonged uncertainty. However, an agreement was reached on December 19, ensuring India-Pakistan matches would take place at a neutral venue. After deliberation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selected the UAE over Sri Lanka as the neutral host.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed his gratitude:
“We are delighted to reach a resolution grounded in equality and respect, showcasing the spirit of collaboration in cricket. Hosting the Champions Trophy underscores our dedication to promoting cricket at the highest level and our ability to organize premier events. We’re committed to making this tournament a memorable experience for players, officials, and fans alike.”
Venue Insights
Three Pakistani cities—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi—will host matches. Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium is slated for the grand finale and other high-profile games. Dubai, a proven neutral venue, ensures fair play and global fan engagement, especially for marquee fixtures like India-Pakistan.
ICC Cricket Rankings
| Position | Team | Rating | Points |
| 1 | AUSTRALIA | 124 | 3715 |
| 2 | INDIA | 111 | 3654 |
| 3 | SOUTH AFRICA | 109 | 2947 |
| 4 | ENGLAND | 105 | 4815 |
| 5 | NEW ZEALAND | 97 | 3216 |
| 6 | SRI LANKA | 87 | 2436 |
| 7 | PAKISTAN | 86 | 2060 |
| 8 | WEST INDIES | 75 | 2184 |
| 9 | BANGLADESH | 65 | 1884 |
| 10 | IRELAND | 26 | 131 |
| 11 | ZIMBABWE | 4 | 11 |
| 12 | AFGHANISTAN | 0 | 0 |
Conclusion
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be a thrilling spectacle, uniting cricket fans worldwide. With top teams competing in a balanced format and Pakistan showcasing its hosting capabilities, this tournament is set to deliver unforgettable moments and fierce rivalries. Mark your calendars and get ready for an action-packed February and March!
FAQ:
Who will host the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy?
Pakistan
Defending champions Pakistan will be the primary hosts for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 with matches scheduled in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi. Pakistan will be hosting its first major global tournament since the ODI World Cup in 1996.
When starts the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule?
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 fixtures and groupings have been announced by the ICC on Tuesday, 24 December, with the tournament set to begin on 19 February in Karachi with the final on 9 March. The eight-team tournament will feature 15 matches, and will be played across Pakistan and in Dubai.
Where can I watch the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
The final of the Champions Trophy 2025 will be played on March 9, 2025. Where will the live telecast of Champions Trophy 2025 be available in India? The live telecast of the Champions Trophy 2025 will be available on the Star Sports network in India.
Which format is the Champions Trophy 2025?
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will feature the same format it has followed since 2009. In the current format, the eight participating teams are split into two groups of four. Each team competes in a single round-robin format, playing one match against each of the other three teams within their group.
How many Champions Trophys has Pakistan won?
Australia and India are the two most successful teams winning the tournament twice, while South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Pakistan have won it once each.