The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the much-anticipated schedule for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament is set to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, marking the return of the Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus. Pakistan will host the event, its first major ICC tournament since the 1996 Cricket World Cup.
Tournament Structure
The competition will feature eight of the top-ranked ODI teams, divided into two groups of four. Each team will play the others in their group once, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The tournament will include 15 matches in total, culminating in the final on March 9.
Participating Teams
The eight teams qualified for the Champions Trophy 2025 are:
- Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
- Group B: England, Australia, Afghanistan, South Africa
Hybrid Hosting Model
Due to political tensions between India and Pakistan, a hybrid hosting model has been adopted. While Pakistan will host most of the matches, India’s games will be played in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Full Schedule
Group Stage Matches
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| February 19 | Pakistan vs. New Zealand | National Stadium, Karachi |
| February 20 | England vs. Afghanistan | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| February 21 | India vs. Bangladesh | Dubai International Stadium |
| February 22 | England vs. Australia | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| February 23 | Pakistan vs. India | Dubai International Stadium |
| February 24 | New Zealand vs. Bangladesh | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| February 25 | Australia vs. Afghanistan | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| February 26 | Pakistan vs. Bangladesh | National Stadium, Karachi |
| February 27 | New Zealand vs. India | Dubai International Stadium |
| February 28 | England vs. South Africa | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| March 1 | South Africa vs. Australia | National Stadium, Karachi |
| March 2 | Afghanistan vs. South Africa | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
Knockout Stage
| Date | Match | Venue |
| March 4 | Semi-Final 1 (1st Group A vs. 2nd Group B) | Dubai International Stadium |
| March 5 | Semi-Final 2 (1st Group B vs. 2nd Group A) | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| March 9 | Final | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
Note: If India qualifies for the final, it will be relocated to the Dubai International Stadium.
Significance of the Tournament
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is a landmark event for Pakistan, marking its return as a host for major ICC tournaments after nearly three decades. This tournament also represents an opportunity to rebuild trust and showcase Pakistan’s ability to host world-class cricket events.
What’s Next?
As the countdown to February 19 begins, fans around the globe are gearing up for thrilling encounters. The hybrid hosting model underscores the challenges and compromises in modern cricket but also highlights the sport’s unifying power.
For more updates on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, stay tuned!