The International Cricket Council has officially unveiled the complete schedule for the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025, which will take place from February 19 to March 9. This edition is particularly significant as it will be hosted jointly by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates under a hybrid hosting model. The arrangement, finalized after extensive discussions between the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Board of Control for Cricket in India, aims to address logistical challenges while maintaining smooth planning amidst complex geopolitical considerations. The announcement includes the full list of matches, venues, and timings, sparking excitement among cricket fans worldwide.
The tournament will open with a match between Pakistan and New Zealand on February 19 at the National Stadium in Karachi. One of the most awaited clashes, the encounter between India and Pakistan, is scheduled for February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This match, a marquee event, is expected to draw massive viewership and will be critical in shaping the tournament’s momentum. In the event that India reaches the final, Dubai will also host the summit clash. However, if India does not qualify, the final will take place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Both semi-finals and the final will have designated reserve days to account for any unforeseen interruptions.
Pakistan will host a total of ten matches, while the UAE will host India’s three league-stage games, including their clash against Pakistan. Additionally, one semi-final and the final will be held in Dubai if India qualifies for the championship match. This carefully designed hybrid model ensures that logistical and geopolitical challenges are effectively managed, allowing the tournament to proceed seamlessly and earning praise from stakeholders across the cricketing world.
The grouping for the tournament has placed Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, and Pakistan together in Group A, while Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa will compete in Group B. The matches will be played across Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai, showcasing a mix of iconic and state-of-the-art venues. Fans can look forward to thrilling contests as some of the world’s top teams compete for glory in the Champions Trophy.
The schedule features key matches such as Pakistan’s opener against New Zealand, India’s face-off with Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai, and Afghanistan's taking on South Africa on February 21 in Karachi. Australia and England will renew their historic rivalry on February 22 in Lahore. Other crucial group-stage matches include Bangladesh versus New Zealand in Rawalpindi on February 24 and India’s match against New Zealand in Dubai on March 2. The semi-finals are scheduled for March 4 and March 5, while the final will take place on March 9, bringing the curtain down on what promises to be an electrifying tournament.
Pakistan enters the Champions Trophy as the defending champions, having last won the title in 2017. That final saw Pakistan deliver a stunning performance against India, securing a commanding 180-run victory. Fakhar Zaman’s century and Mohammed Amir’s exceptional bowling dismantled India’s formidable batting lineup, restricting them to just 158 runs in pursuit of a 339-run target. This historic triumph continues to resonate with fans and adds an extra layer of anticipation to Pakistan’s campaign in the upcoming tournament.
Under the leadership of Mohammed Rizwan, Pakistan has undergone a significant resurgence in the one-day format. Rizwan’s captaincy has brought a renewed sense of purpose to the team, which has recently achieved back-to-back overseas series victories in Australia and South Africa. This strong form positions Pakistan as a formidable contender to retain their title and further solidify their status as a cricketing powerhouse. With its hybrid hosting model, strategic scheduling, and a mix of top-tier teams, the Champions Trophy 2025 is set to captivate audiences and deliver unforgettable moments on the global cricketing stage.
