The ICC Champions Trophy schedule has been revealed for the tournament’s anticipated return in 2025.
After a hiatus since 2017, the 50-over competition is making a comeback, with Pakistan hosting a global cricket event for the first time since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup with India and Sri Lanka.
The 2025 tournament will follow the same format as the 2017 edition, featuring eight teams divided into two groups of four. Each team will play against the others in their group once, with the top two advancing to the semi-finals.
The semi-final winners will compete in the final on March 9 in Lahore, where they will vie for the Champions Trophy and the iconic white jacket.
Current champions and hosts Pakistan are in Group A alongside Bangladesh, India, and New Zealand, kicking off the tournament against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19.
Group B includes Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa, with England facing Australia in Lahore on February 22 before a much-anticipated clash between Pakistan and India on February 23 in Dubai.
Where are matches being played?
Stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi will host matches in Pakistan, while games involving India will take place in Dubai.
In light of political tensions, all matches between Pakistan and India in ICC tournaments, including the upcoming Women’s World Cup, will be held at neutral venues up to 2027, with the UAE chosen as a neutral ground.
Due to strained relations, India has not played in Pakistan since 2008, and should they qualify, India will play semi-final 1 in Dubai, with Pakistan assigned semi-final 2 in Lahore if they progress. The final, scheduled for March 9 in Lahore, will move to the UAE if India qualifies.
India will play their Champions Trophy matches in the United Arab Emirates
What is the ICC Champions Trophy?
It’s essentially a mini-50-over World Cup.
Unlike the lengthy World Cup, the Champions Trophy is a shorter tournament lasting around two weeks.
Pakistan holds the title after defeating rivals India in the final at The Kia Oval six years ago, while India and Australia have each won the tournament twice.
ICC Champions Trophy schedule
Group A
- Feb 19: Pakistan v New Zealand (Karachi)
- Feb 20: Bangladesh v India (Dubai)
- Feb 23: Pakistan v India (Dubai)
- Feb 24: Bangladesh v New Zealand (Rawalpindi)
- Feb 27: Pakistan v Bangladesh (Rawalpindi)
- Mar 2: New Zealand v India (Dubai)
Group B
- Feb 21: Afghanistan v South Africa (Karachi)
- Feb 22: Australia v England (Lahore)
- Feb 25: Australia v South Africa (Rawalpindi)
- Feb 26: Afghanistan v England (Lahore)
- Feb 28: Afghanistan v Australia (Lahore)
- Mar 1: South Africa v England (Karachi)
Semi-finals
- Mar 4: Semi-final 1, A1 v B2 (Dubai)
- Mar 5: Semi-final 2, A2 v B1 (Lahore)
Final
- Mar 9: Winner of semi-final 1 v Winner of semi-final 2 (Lahore)
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