Maps
Magazine

SPORTS

ICC Unveils Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule Amid India-Pakistan Hosting Dispute
Champions Trophy 2025 Fixture Released! Matches split between Pakistan and Dubai amid India-Pakistan venue row. Tournament begins Feb 19 in Karachi, with the final in Lahore or Dubai.
ND
by News Desk
2024-12-24
ICC Unveils Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule Amid India-Pakistan Hosting Dispute

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday revealed the official fixtures for the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament, set to take place from February 19 to March 9, will be co-hosted by Pakistan and Dubai, following a contentious venue dispute between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Tournament Overview

This 50-over event, featuring the top eight teams from the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, is expected to bring thrilling cricket action. Hosts Pakistan are placed in Group A alongside India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B features Australia, South Africa, Afghanistan, and England.

Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi will host the matches in Pakistan. Due to political and security concerns raised by the BCCI, India’s matches will be played at a neutral venue in the UAE, as agreed under a two-way hybrid hosting model.

Key Fixtures and Venues

The tournament opener on February 19 will see Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi, while India’s campaign begins a day later against Bangladesh in Dubai. The eagerly awaited Pakistan-India clash is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.

Lahore will host the second semi-final and the final, unless India qualifies, in which case the final will be moved to Dubai.

Complete Fixture List:

Group A Matches:

  • Feb 19: Pakistan vs New Zealand – Karachi, Pakistan
  • Feb 20: Bangladesh vs India – Dubai
  • Feb 24: Bangladesh vs New Zealand – Rawalpindi, Pakistan
  • Feb 27: Pakistan vs Bangladesh – Rawalpindi, Pakistan
  • Mar 2: New Zealand vs India – Dubai

Group B Matches:

  • Feb 21: Afghanistan vs South Africa – Karachi, Pakistan
  • Feb 22: Australia vs England – Lahore, Pakistan
  • Feb 25: Australia vs South Africa – Rawalpindi, Pakistan
  • Feb 26: Afghanistan vs England – Lahore, Pakistan
  • Feb 28: Afghanistan vs Australia – Lahore, Pakistan
  • Mar 1: South Africa vs England – Karachi, Pakistan

Knockouts:

  • Mar 4: Semi-final 1 – Dubai
  • Mar 5: Semi-final 2 – Lahore, Pakistan
  • Mar 9: Final – Lahore (or Dubai if India qualifies)

A Controversial Hosting Arrangement

The venue dispute has been a focal point in the lead-up to the tournament. The BCCI initially refused to send its team to Pakistan due to political and security concerns. After protracted negotiations, the ICC approved PCB’s hybrid model, allowing India’s matches to be played in Dubai. This arrangement mirrors the hosting compromise for events to be held in India until 2027.

High Stakes and Star-Studded Competition

With the tournament featuring reigning Cricket World Cup champions Australia, defending Champions Trophy holders Pakistan, and other cricketing powerhouses like England, South Africa, and India, fans can expect a fiercely competitive event.

This year’s Champions Trophy will also mark the continuation of ICC’s efforts to balance sports diplomacy with logistical challenges, ensuring global audiences enjoy uninterrupted action.
Tagged:

PakistanCricket

IndiaVsPakistan

ChampionsTrophy2025

CricketLovers

ICCFixtures
Share News: